Torsional comparative biomechanical test of modified tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy plate and locking plate in canine synthetic tibias

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a locked tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate and to compare this implant with the conventional bone fixation method using a locked plate to determine bone stabilization against torsion forces. Maximum force, angle at peak torque, and stiffness values were determined. Ten synthetic tibias were used, divided into 2 groups. The results in Group 1 (modified TPLO plate) and Group 2 (locked plate) were assessed using analysis of variance and the means were compared using Tukey's test at 5% probability. There were significant differences in the angle at peak torque and stiffness. The group Modified TPLO plate had higher mean values of stiffness compared with Group locked plate. Group locked plate showed a greater angle at peak torque compared with Group modified TPLO plate. All constructs failed due to tibial fractures distal to the plate. The modified TPLO plate presented higher stiffness indexes than conventional locked plate in torsion. The locked plate presented greater elasticity than modified TPLO plate having greater angle at the peak of torque.