Tibial tuberosity fracture as a complication of tibial tuberosity advancement

Calvo, I., Aisa, J., Chase, D., Garcia-Fernandez, P., San Roman, F. and Bennett, D. (2014) Tibial tuberosity fracture as a complication of tibial tuberosity advancement. Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 27(2), pp. 148-154. (doi: 10.3415/VCOT-13-06-0071)

Abstract

Objectives: To retrospectively compare two clinical subsets of dogs suffering tibial tuberosity (TT) fracture (incidental finding or sudden onset severe lameness) as a complication of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and to report the surgical management and outcome of TT fracture as a complication of TTA. Material and methods: The medical records of 10 dogs with eleven TT fractures or crest fractures after TTA were reviewed. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations. Limb function was evaluated between six and 12 weeks postoperatively. Owners were contacted by phone for long-term follow-up at least six months after the last examination. Results: Four dogs required surgical stabilization and six dogs had conservative management. In the surgical group, every case experienced a sudden non-weight-bearing lameness after the initial TTA surgery. In three of the four cases an attempt was made to stabilize the TT and crest fracture while maintaining the TT advancement. Postoperative complications were encountered in three of the four surgically treated cases. Functional outcome was considered excellent in seven cases and good in the other three. Clinical significance: Tibial tuberosity fracture is a complication of TTA that seems to have a favourable prognosis, although it can result in significant morbidity and in some cases revision surgery may be required.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bennett, Professor David and Calvo, Mr Ignacio
• Authors: Calvo, I., Aisa, J., Chase, D., Garcia-Fernandez, P., San Roman, F., and Bennett, D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology
• Publisher: Schattauer GmbH
• ISSN: 0932-0814