Outcome of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Repaired by Pin (Kirschner Wire) Fixation with or without a Tension Band

Introduction: Avulsion of the tibial tuberosity is a common traumatic injury in skeletally immature dogs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the outcomes of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in dogs treated with pin and tension band fixation or with pins alone. We hypothesized that avulsion fractures treated with pin(s) and tension band fixation would heal faster and have a lower complication rate than fractures treated with pins alone.

Materials and Methods: Radiographs and medical records of dogs surgically treated for tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures at a single referral hospital, from 2015 to 2018, were reviewed. Signalment and surgical stabilization technique were recorded from the medical record. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs were reviewed to determine outcome of surgery.

Results: 33 tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures were included. Overall healing time was 40 ± 14 days with no difference in healing times between groups. Overall complication rate was 50%, with 25% major and 25% minor complications. The major complication rate was significantly higher in the pins only group (50%) than in the pin(s) & tension band group (0%). All major complications consisted of pin migration necessitating pin removal.

Discussion/Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of pin(s) with a tension band for stabilization of tibial tuberosity avulsion is more likely to result in a satisfactory outcome without the need for a second surgery as compared with stabilization with pins alone.

Acknowledgment: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.