Eskelinen et al: Outcome and Complications Following Medial Patellar Luxation Corrective Surgery with Tibial Tuberosity Transposition Using a Locking Plate and a Pin Fixation: 45 Unilateral and 20 Single-Session Bilateral Procedures
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 4, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

• Plate–Pin TTT fixation resolved MPL in 64/65 stifles with low recurrence (1.5%) and good lameness outcomes postoperatively.
• Complication rate was 21.5% (14/65 stifles), mostly minor (57%); major issues included pin migration, fracture, or capsular failure.
• Pin-related issues accounted for 8 of 20 total complications, highlighting implant refinement is needed.
• No avulsions, TT fixation failures, or luxation recurrence occurred in cases where surgical technique was followed precisely.
• Surgical deviations increased complication risk 11.3× (p < 0.05), suggesting adherence to protocol is critical.
• Single-session bilateral MPL surgery had comparable complication rate (3/20) to unilateral surgery (11/45).
• Screw breakage occurred in 3 cases, suggesting at least 3 screws may be needed for secure TT fixation.
• Authors suggest temporary pin fixation and later removal may reduce complications, though prospective studies are needed.