Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy in Cats: A Retrospective Study of 23 Cases

This study aimed to describe tibial plateau levelling osteotomy procedures in cats with cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, assessing related complications (intra- and postoperative) and long-term outcomes after mini/micro-FIXIN T/L plate stabilizations. The study design was retrospective. A total of 23 cats with cranial cruciate ligament ruptures were selected, each undergoing general and orthopaedic clinical assessments and subjected to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy procedures, with simultaneous exploratory mini-arthrotomies. We collected medical histories and reporting data, complete blood and urine test results and imaging diagnostics (echocardiography, radiography under sedation). Remnant cranial cruciate ligament histology was available on seven occasions. Follow-up orthopaedic examinations and radiographs were done at postoperative months 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24. The overall complication rate was 24% (inadequate compression of osteotomy surfaces, 2; fibula fracture, 3; breakage of screws and tibial crest, 1), only one event (4%) being major. Concomitant medial meniscal injury was evident in 76% of joints. During 24 months of follow-up, all patients fully recovered, without recurrences or significant osteoarthritic deterioration. Preliminary study results indicate that tibial plateau levelling osteotomy procedures in feline species confer good long-term limb function, with minimal progression of osteoarthritis.