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Chitty et al: Short‐term complications of internal versus external fixation of closed diaphyseal tibial fractures in 95 skeletally immature dogs
Veterinary Surgery 4, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Internal fixation (IF) group (n=59):

  • Complication rate: 20.3%
  • Major complications: 15.3%
  • Longer time to discharge if complications occurred (median: 12.5 weeks)

External skeletal fixation (ESF) group (n=36):

  • Complication rate: 55.6% (p < .001 vs IF)
  • Major complications: 52.8%
  • Most common issue: pin tract morbidity

Multivariable analysis:

  • Use of IF significantly reduced odds of complications (OR 0.23, p = .004)
  • Use of post-op antibiotics associated with increased odds of complications (OR 3.53, p = .028)

Fixation choice influenced by age:

  • Older puppies more likely to receive IF (OR 1.25 per week increase in age, p < .001)

Breed & fracture distribution:

  • Common breeds: Labrador, Border Collie, Whippet
  • Common fracture sites: middle and proximal third of tibia

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← Articles

Chitty et al: Short‐term complications of internal versus external fixation of closed diaphyseal tibial fractures in 95 skeletally immature dogs
Veterinary Surgery 4, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Internal fixation (IF) group (n=59):

  • Complication rate: 20.3%
  • Major complications: 15.3%
  • Longer time to discharge if complications occurred (median: 12.5 weeks)

External skeletal fixation (ESF) group (n=36):

  • Complication rate: 55.6% (p < .001 vs IF)
  • Major complications: 52.8%
  • Most common issue: pin tract morbidity

Multivariable analysis:

  • Use of IF significantly reduced odds of complications (OR 0.23, p = .004)
  • Use of post-op antibiotics associated with increased odds of complications (OR 3.53, p = .028)

Fixation choice influenced by age:

  • Older puppies more likely to receive IF (OR 1.25 per week increase in age, p < .001)

Breed & fracture distribution:

  • Common breeds: Labrador, Border Collie, Whippet
  • Common fracture sites: middle and proximal third of tibia

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Chitty 2025 et al., on tibial fracture fixation in immature dogs, which factor was associated with increased odds of short-term complications?

A. Use of NSAIDs
B. Younger age
C. Postoperative antibiotics
D. Mid-diaphyseal fractures
E. Obesity

Answer: Postoperative antibiotics

Explanation: Use of postoperative antibiotics was linked to increased complication risk (OR 3.53, p = .028).
In Chitty 2025 et al., on tibial fracture fixation in immature dogs, what was the major complication rate observed in the external fixation group?

A. 15.3%
B. 26.7%
C. 36.1%
D. 44.4%
E. 52.8%

Answer: 52.8%

Explanation: Major complications occurred in 52.8% of dogs treated with external skeletal fixation.
In Chitty 2025 et al., on tibial fracture fixation in immature dogs, which complication was most common in the external fixation group?

A. Implant failure
B. Osteomyelitis
C. Delayed union
D. Pin tract morbidity
E. Seroma

Answer: Pin tract morbidity

Explanation: Pin tract morbidity was the most common complication in dogs receiving external skeletal fixation.
In Chitty 2025 et al., on tibial fracture fixation in immature dogs, what was the most likely influence of increasing age on treatment selection?

A. Increased use of external fixation
B. Increased risk of complications
C. Preference for casting
D. Increased use of internal fixation
E. Decreased surgical intervention

Answer: Increased use of internal fixation

Explanation: Older puppies were more likely to receive internal fixation (OR 1.25 per week increase in age, p < .001).
In Chitty 2025 et al., on tibial fracture fixation in immature dogs, what was the odds ratio for complication reduction with internal fixation versus external fixation?

A. 0.23
B. 0.45
C. 0.67
D. 0.89
E. 1.02

Answer: 0.23

Explanation: Internal fixation significantly reduced odds of complications (OR 0.23, p = .004).

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