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Brincin et al: The value of routine radiographic follow up in the postoperative management of canine medial patellar luxation
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • Routine follow-up radiographs after MPL surgery influenced management in only 3% of asymptomatic cases.
  • Isolated radiographic abnormalities were rare (3.3%) and even less likely to alter treatment unless accompanied by clinical concerns.
  • Dogs with both radiographic changes and clinical/owner concerns had 32× higher odds of a management change (OR 32.16, P < .001).
  • Lameness, NSAID use, or prior unplanned visits significantly increased the odds of altered post-op plans.
  • Owner-reported concerns alone led to a change in only 1.6% of cases without corroborating clinical findings.
  • Radiographic follow-up was deemed unnecessary in dogs without owner concerns or abnormal physical findings.
  • Hands-on clinical exam remains critical, though video-based rechecks may aid triage in uncomplicated cases.
  • The study supports selective radiographic follow-up, reducing unnecessary imaging, stress, and clinician workload.

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← Articles

Brincin et al: The value of routine radiographic follow up in the postoperative management of canine medial patellar luxation
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • Routine follow-up radiographs after MPL surgery influenced management in only 3% of asymptomatic cases.
  • Isolated radiographic abnormalities were rare (3.3%) and even less likely to alter treatment unless accompanied by clinical concerns.
  • Dogs with both radiographic changes and clinical/owner concerns had 32× higher odds of a management change (OR 32.16, P < .001).
  • Lameness, NSAID use, or prior unplanned visits significantly increased the odds of altered post-op plans.
  • Owner-reported concerns alone led to a change in only 1.6% of cases without corroborating clinical findings.
  • Radiographic follow-up was deemed unnecessary in dogs without owner concerns or abnormal physical findings.
  • Hands-on clinical exam remains critical, though video-based rechecks may aid triage in uncomplicated cases.
  • The study supports selective radiographic follow-up, reducing unnecessary imaging, stress, and clinician workload.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Brincin 2023 et al., on radiographic follow-up post-MPL surgery, what was the likelihood of dogs on NSAIDs at recheck requiring a change in management?

A. No increased likelihood
B. 2× higher
C. 6× higher
D. 10× higher
E. NSAID use had no effect

Answer: 6× higher

Explanation: Dogs receiving NSAIDs had 6× higher odds of having their postoperative plan modified.
In Brincin 2023 et al., on radiographic follow-up post-MPL surgery, which factor was MOST strongly associated with a change in postoperative plan after MPL surgery?

A. Use of NSAIDs at follow-up
B. History of unplanned vet visit
C. Owner concern alone
D. Clinician concern plus radiographic abnormality
E. Physical exam findings only

Answer: Clinician concern plus radiographic abnormality

Explanation: The odds of a change in management were 32× higher when both clinical concerns and radiographic abnormalities were present.
In Brincin 2023 et al., on radiographic follow-up post-MPL surgery, which clinical sign most commonly led to a change in postoperative management?

A. Pain
B. Swollen surgical site
C. Residual patellar luxation
D. Lameness
E. Crepitus

Answer: Lameness

Explanation: Lameness was the most frequent clinical concern that influenced changes in recovery recommendations.
In Brincin 2023 et al., on radiographic follow-up post-MPL surgery, what percentage of asymptomatic dogs had isolated radiographic findings that altered management?

A. 0.5%
B. 3%
C. 6%
D. 10%
E. 15%

Answer: 3%

Explanation: Only 3% of asymptomatic dogs had isolated radiographic changes that led to postoperative management changes.
In Brincin 2023 et al., on radiographic follow-up post-MPL surgery, what did the authors conclude regarding the value of routine radiographs in clinically normal dogs post-MPL surgery?

A. Routine radiographs are always required
B. Radiographs frequently alter recovery plans in these cases
C. They are not routinely beneficial without clinical or owner concerns
D. They help detect implant failure early
E. They can replace the need for physical examination

Answer: They are not routinely beneficial without clinical or owner concerns

Explanation: Without concerns, routine radiographs rarely impacted postoperative decisions, questioning their necessity.

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