Progression of radiographic scores of osteoarthritis following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs. Comparison of Locking Plates versus Locking Dynamic Compression Plates.

The aim of the study is evaluated the progression of the osteoarthritis following the TPLO using Dynamic Compression Plates versus Locking Plates. Radiographic osteoarthritis scores were evaluated in 28 dogs up to 1 years following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. At each visit, animals were assessed clinically, radiographically. The synovial fluid was sampled. The radiographs were taken immediately following surgery and at long-term follow-up 1 years later. Three radiologists evaluated the radiographs using a modified 14-point osteoarthritis scale. The 28 dogs were divided into two groups: dogs treated using Locking Plates (Group A) and dogs treated using Dynamic Compression Plates (Group B). Results were analyzed using Kendall's test, Shapiro-Wilk test and Fishcher test. A significant increase in the osteoarthritis score from T0 (post-operative) at T12 (follow up 12 months) in the two groups studied was noted and there was no evidence of differences between the two groups studied. In conclusion, the osteoarthritis did progress following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy without difference using both treatments.