A retrospective evaluation of complications associated with forkless tibial tuberosity advancement performed in primary care practice.

OBJECTIVE: To report postoperative complications associated with forkless tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) performed in primary care veterinary practice and to compare results with previous publications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Three hundred seventy-four forkless TTAs in 329 dogs performed by six nonspecialist veterinarians. METHODS: Medical records of dogs treated with a standard forkless TTA (2013-2016) and with at least 12 months of postoperative follow-up were reviewed. Complications recorded by the referring practice or the operating veterinarian were classified as minor (medically treated) or major (surgically treated). RESULTS: Complications occurred in 57 of 374 (15.2%) TTAs; 28 (7.5%) complications were major, and 29 (7.7%) complications were minor. Postliminary meniscal injuries were documented in 12 of 374 (3.2%) TTAs (12/57 major complications) and were more common when the ratio of cage size to bodyweight was ≤0.25 (P = .019). Mean TTA (cage size) was greater in this population than what has been previously reported for a lower median bodyweight. CONCLUSION: The incidence of major complications was low and within the range previously reported for TTA in referral practice after adjusting for study design. The magnitude of advancement was greater, and the incidence of postliminary meniscal injury was lower than what has been previously reported, after accounting for dogs that had a preliminary meniscal injury or medial meniscal release. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Forkless TTA may be successfully performed by experienced veterinarians in primary care practice with a low rate of complications. The incidence of postliminary meniscal injury may be reduced by a greater degree of advancement of the tibial tuberosity.

Locking T-Plate Repair of Ilial Fractures in Cats and Small Dogs.

Objectives To assess screw loosening and pelvic narrowing following the use of locking implants to stabilise ilial body fractures in cats and small dogs. Methods Review of clinical records and post operative and follow up radiography of 12 cats and five small dogs to evaluate accuracy of fracture reduction, screw purchase and subsequent screw loosening and reduction in pelvic diameter. Results No screw loosening or reduction in pelvic diameter was observed at follow up. Clinical Significance Locking T-plates may prevent complications reported following the use of conventional implant systems for the repair of ilial fractures in cats and small dogs.