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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2022; 35(03): 184-190
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743562
Original Research

Factors Contributing to the Need for Non-Elective Explant following Surgical Repair of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture

Aparna Arun 
1   BluePearl Veterinary Partners LLC, Surgery Service, New York, New York, United Sates
,
Stephanie J. Park
1   BluePearl Veterinary Partners LLC, Surgery Service, New York, New York, United Sates
,
Philippa R. Pavia
1   BluePearl Veterinary Partners LLC, Surgery Service, New York, New York, United Sates
,
Sarah R. Kalafut
1   BluePearl Veterinary Partners LLC, Surgery Service, New York, New York, United Sates
,
Erik Hofmeister
2   Auburn University, Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Auburn, Alabama, United Sates
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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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 (n = 63) that underwent surgical repair of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures (n = 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 p < 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 (p = 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 (p = 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.

Keywords

tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture - tension band - implant migration - dog - explant

Authors' Contributions

A.A. was involved in follow-up for cases that did not have explanation at BluePearl, data collection, literature review and drafting of the manuscript. S.J.P. contributed in case review, case selection, data collection, literature review and drafting of the manuscript. P.R.P. was involved in conception, study design, critical revision and supervision. S.R.K. conceptualized, designed and critically revised the manuscript. E.H. was involved in statistics, study design, critical revision and supervision.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 19 September 2020

Accepted: 27 January 2022

Article published online:
09 June 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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