🔍 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.
