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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.

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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.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Eskelinen 2025 et al., on Plate–Pin fixation for MPL, what was the rate of patellar luxation recurrence?

A. 15.4%
B. 8%
C. 0%
D. 1.5%
E. 10.2%

Answer: 1.5%

Explanation: Only 1 of 65 stifles had recurrence, indicating 98.5% success.
In Eskelinen 2025 et al., on Plate–Pin fixation for MPL, what factor significantly increased the risk of complications?

A. Dog sex
B. Dog age
C. Surgical deviation
D. Pin diameter
E. Bilateral surgery

Answer: Surgical deviation

Explanation: Surgical deviations increased complication odds 11.3-fold.
In Eskelinen 2025 et al., on Plate–Pin fixation for MPL, what was the authors’ recommendation regarding the number of screws for TT fixation?

A. One is sufficient
B. Two screws with a washer
C. Three or more screws
D. Two bicortical and one monocortical screw
E. Four locking screws only

Answer: Three or more screws

Explanation: In cases with screw breakage, only two screws were used; authors suggest at least three.
In Eskelinen 2025 et al., on Plate–Pin fixation for MPL, what suggestion was made to reduce future complications?

A. Use a heavier locking plate
B. Use no pin at all
C. Remove the plate post-op
D. Use of temporary pin fixation
E. Perform staged bilateral surgery

Answer: Use of temporary pin fixation

Explanation: Authors suggest using pin only for alignment, then removing before final fixation.
In Eskelinen 2025 et al., on Plate–Pin fixation for MPL, what was the most common cause of minor complications?

A. Tibia fracture
B. SSI
C. Implant loosening
D. Pin migration or breakage
E. Screw malposition

Answer: Pin migration or breakage

Explanation: Pin-related issues (migration, bending, breakage) accounted for most minor complications.

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