Cortina et al: Outcomes and complications of a modified tibial tuberosity transposition technique in the treatment of medial patellar luxation in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • m-TTT yielded a low overall major complication rate (4.3%) and minor complication rate of 15%, consistent with or better than previous techniques.
  • Patellar reluxation occurred in only 4.3% of stifles, with high-grade reluxation seen in just 0.6% of cases—lower than the 12.4–21% range reported for other techniques.
  • Implant migration rate was 3.7%, lower than previously reported for smooth pin fixation (7.7–24.6%).
  • Use of a tension band with single Steinmann and Kirschner wire reduced stress risers and fixation failure, supporting better stability.
  • Tibial tuberosity fracture occurred in only 1.3% of cases, lower than the 1–6% seen in other reports.
  • All long-term major complications (1.3%) were related to pin migration, but were easily resolved.
  • Radiographic follow-up confirmed complete bone healing in all examined cases, even up to 9 years postoperatively.
  • Owner satisfaction was 100%, and 95% rated quality of life as good to excellent based on CBPI surveys.

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Cortina et al: Outcomes and complications of a modified tibial tuberosity transposition technique in the treatment of medial patellar luxation in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • m-TTT yielded a low overall major complication rate (4.3%) and minor complication rate of 15%, consistent with or better than previous techniques.
  • Patellar reluxation occurred in only 4.3% of stifles, with high-grade reluxation seen in just 0.6% of cases—lower than the 12.4–21% range reported for other techniques.
  • Implant migration rate was 3.7%, lower than previously reported for smooth pin fixation (7.7–24.6%).
  • Use of a tension band with single Steinmann and Kirschner wire reduced stress risers and fixation failure, supporting better stability.
  • Tibial tuberosity fracture occurred in only 1.3% of cases, lower than the 1–6% seen in other reports.
  • All long-term major complications (1.3%) were related to pin migration, but were easily resolved.
  • Radiographic follow-up confirmed complete bone healing in all examined cases, even up to 9 years postoperatively.
  • Owner satisfaction was 100%, and 95% rated quality of life as good to excellent based on CBPI surveys.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Cortina 2023 et al., on modified TTT outcomes for MPL in dogs, what was the function of the tension band construct?

A. To reduce surgery time and soft tissue trauma
B. To replace the need for pin fixation
C. To compress the osteotomy and resist distraction
D. To prevent rotation of the tibia during movement
E. To immobilize the femoropatellar joint

Answer: To compress the osteotomy and resist distraction

Explanation: The tension band counteracted the patellar ligament's pull, helping to stabilize the osteotomy and prevent distraction.
In Cortina 2023 et al., on modified TTT outcomes for MPL in dogs, what was the owner-reported satisfaction rate from long-term follow-up surveys?

A. 78%
B. 85%
C. 92%
D. 100%
E. 63%

Answer: 100%

Explanation: All owners who responded to surveys indicated they would choose the surgery again; satisfaction was reported as 100%.
In Cortina 2023 et al., on modified TTT outcomes for MPL in dogs, how did the complication rate of the m-TTT compare to historical methods?

A. Significantly higher short-term and long-term complications
B. Similar minor but higher major complications
C. Markedly lower overall complications
D. Similar major but higher minor complications
E. No difference in any outcomes

Answer: Markedly lower overall complications

Explanation: The overall complication rate (19.6%) was lower than historical reports (up to 48%), with major complications at only 4.3%.
In Cortina 2023 et al., on modified TTT outcomes for MPL in dogs, what was the most common major complication observed?

A. Tibial tuberosity fracture
B. Patellar reluxation
C. Implant failure
D. Tension band breakage
E. Severe infection

Answer: Patellar reluxation

Explanation: Patellar reluxation occurred in 4.3% of cases, making it the most frequent major complication.
In Cortina 2023 et al., on modified TTT outcomes for MPL in dogs, which implant-related complication occurred long-term and required management?

A. Cerclage wire breakage
B. Tension band loosening
C. Steinmann pin bending
D. Kirschner wire migration
E. Pin migration

Answer: Pin migration

Explanation: Pin migration was the only long-term major complication (1.3%) and was easily resolved without additional surgery.

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