Objective: To determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs.
Study design: Case series.
Sample population: TPLO (n=168) on 142 dogs.
Methods: Medical records (January 2006-September 2007) and radiographs of all dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. Data retrieved were breed, sex, age, weight, type of plate, use of a jig, time to recheck, preoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA), immediate postoperative TPA, and presence or absence of fibular fracture.
Results: Fibular fractures occurred in 5.4% TPLOs. Body weight, change in TPA, and preoperative TPA were significantly higher in dogs with fibular fracture. TPLO without use of a jig was significantly associated with fibular fracture. Age, postoperative TPA, and plate type were not significantly associated with fibular fracture.
Conclusions: Fibular fracture is uncommon after TPLO. Risk factors are increased body weight, greater preoperative TPA, greater change in TPA, and TPLO performed without a jig. All fractures occurred during convalescence.
Clinical relevance: Owners should be warned of potential complications and risk factors associated for fibular fracture after TPLO.