Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications after surgery to fix kneecap dislocation in cats
By Rutherford, Lynda et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2015·Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Complications associated with corrective surgery for patellar luxation in 85 feline surgical cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 71 cats with patellar luxation (a knee joint problem) underwent corrective surgery, but some faced complications afterward. About 26% of these cats experienced issues, with 20% having major complications that sometimes required additional surgery. Cats that had previous leg fractures or more severe cases of patellar luxation were at a higher risk for complications, including the knee joint slipping out of place again. Understanding these risks can help pet owners and veterinarians make informed decisions about surgery for this condition.
People also search for: cat knee surgery complications · patellar luxation in cats · cat surgery recovery issues
Abstract
The objective was to review surgical techniques and postoperative complications of surgical correction for patellar luxation (PL) in cats. A retrospective study evaluating 85 surgeries in 71 cats was performed. The records from four referral centres were searched for cats with surgical management of PL. Signalment, history, PL grade and direction, corrective surgical techniques and outcome were retrieved. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to interrogate relationships between case features, surgical correction methods and outcomes. The outcomes were classified as minor and major complications (requiring revision surgery), including continued PL (reluxation). Postoperative complications occurred in 26% of cases; 20% had major complications, including 5% patellar reluxation, and 6% had minor complications. Cats with previous ipsilateral femoral fracture were significantly more likely to suffer complications, including minor (P = 0.02, odds ratio = 12.67), major (P = 0.03, OR = 7.2) and patellar reluxation (P = 0.01, OR = 19.25). Minor complications were significantly more likely with grade 4 PL (P = 0.03, OR = 8.5). Major complications were significantly more likely with tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT; P = 0.03, OR = 5.57). Patellar reluxation was significantly more likely if stifle surgery had been performed previously (P = 0.05, OR = 8.00). The presence of bilateral PL, hip dysplasia, grade 1, 2 or 3 PL, corrective surgery using an anti-rotational suture or femoral sulcoplasty did not influence complications. Complications were more likely for grade 4 PL, previous ipsilateral femoral fracture, if TTT was performed and for cases with previous stifle surgery. This information allows consideration of risks and complicating factors.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24990869/