Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Why some dogs need implant removal after tibial tuberosity fracture
By Arun, Aparna et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2022·BluePearl Veterinary Partners LLC, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Factors Contributing to the Need for Non-Elective Explant following Surgical Repair of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs that had surgery for tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures (a type of knee injury) were studied to see why some needed additional surgery to remove implants. Out of 64 surgeries, 20 dogs required this non-elective explant, and neutered dogs were found to be much more likely to need it compared to those that were not neutered. Additionally, using larger pins during the initial surgery increased the chances of needing the extra surgery. The results suggest that using smaller pins could help reduce the risk of complications after surgery.
People also search for: dog knee surgery recovery · tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture treatment · why does my dog need surgery again
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to evaluate factors contributing to the need for non-elective explant following surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures. STUDY DESIGN:  Retrospective multicentre case-control study. Over a 5-year period, dogs ( = 63) that underwent surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures ( = 64) were considered. Dogs that underwent a non-elective explant were compared with those that did not. Continuous variables were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were compared with the Fisher's exact test. Variables which were significant on univariate analysis were entered into a multiple logistic regression model. Significance was set at < 0.05. RESULTS:  Non-elective explant was performed in 20/64 fractures and elective explant was performed in 2/64 fractures. Neutered dogs were found to be 19 times (95% confidence interval: 2.1-172) more likely to require explant compared with intact dogs ( = 0.009). Every 0.25 mm increase in average pin size was found to make it 2.5 times (95% confidence interval: 1.3-4.9) more likely to require explant ( = 0.006). CONCLUSION:  The findings suggest that use of the smallest appropriate pin should be considered for standard surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures to minimize the risk of requiring non-elective explant.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35679872/