Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog surgery outcomes and complications for kneecap luxation repair
By Eskelinen, Esa V et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2025·IVC Evidensia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcome and Complications Following Medial Patellar Luxation Corrective Surgery with Tibial Tuberosity Transposition Using a Locking Plate and a Pin Fixation: 45 Unilateral and 20 Single-Session Bilateral Procedures.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL), a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, underwent corrective surgery using a special plate and pin fixation method. Most of the dogs had a good outcome, with lameness resolved in all cases after addressing some complications. Out of 65 surgeries, only one dog still had MPL after treatment, showing that this surgical technique was effective. The study suggests that this method may have fewer complications compared to older techniques.
People also search for: dog knee surgery recovery · medial patellar luxation treatment · dog limping after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  To evaluate the outcome and complications in dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL) undergoing tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT) with a locking plate and pin fixation (Plate-Pin). METHODS:  This retrospective multicenter study included 65 consecutive MPL stifle surgeries using tibial tuberosity (TT) fixation with a 5-hole locking plate and a pin. The median weight of the dogs was 6.2 kg. The grade of luxation was 2/4 in 50 stifles and 3/4 in 15 stifles. Outcomes were assessed during follow-up examinations 33 to 648 days after surgery with clinical examination and radiography. Canine Orthopedic Index questionnaires were sent to owners 6 to 39 months after surgery. RESULTS:  Complications were reported in 14/65 stifles, of which 8/14 were minor and 6/14 were major. After treatment of the major complications, lameness was resolved in all cases and the MPL was resolved in 64/65 stifles. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:  When the surgery was performed as described in this article, Plate-Pin fixation for TT during MPL surgery is a feasible technique with a lower incidence of luxation recurrence, TT avulsion, and fractures compared with recent retrospective studies with pin and tension band wire TT fixation. Further development of the locking plate TT fixation is indicated to resolve pin-related complications and to determine if fixation including a pin is necessary.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39572216/