Modified tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy using a precontoured plate achieves single-stage correction with favorable clinical outcomes in small-breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes of modified tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) using a precontoured plate in small-breed dogs with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and medial patellar luxation (MPL) compared with conventional TPLO.

METHODS

Medical records from March 2023 to March 2026 were retrospectively reviewed for dogs treated with TPLO using a 1.5/2.0 locking plate. Stifles were assigned to the modified TPLO group when concurrent MPL was corrected using a precontoured plate or to the conventional TPLO group without MPL correction. Radiographic measurements including bone healing time and clinical outcomes based on the orthopedic assessment score and kinetic variables were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventeen and 15 stifles were included in the conventional and modified TPLO groups, respectively. Tibial plateau angle decreased significantly in both groups. Medial patellar luxation was corrected in all modified TPLO cases; asymptomatic reluxation occurred in 2 dogs, but no complications required surgical intervention. Median bone healing time was 84 days (57 to 233) and 71 days (44 to 194) in conventional and modified TPLO groups, respectively, with no significant intergroup difference. Orthopedic assessment score and kinetic variables improved from baseline with no significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified TPLO using a precontoured plate achieved single-stage correction of concurrent CrCL rupture and MPL in small-breed dogs. Despite proximal tibial medial translation, no significant intergroup differences were detected in evaluation of postoperative radiographic, veterinarian-assessed, or objective gait analysis during follow-up.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Modified TPLO using a precontoured plate may provide a feasible surgical option for concurrent CrCL rupture and MPL in small-breed dogs.