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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2023; 36(02): 075-081
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759868
Original Research

Influence of Kirschner-Wire Insertion Angle on Construct Biomechanics following Tibial Tuberosity Osteotomy Fixation in Dogs

Tyler J. Hawbecker
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
,
Daniel J. Duffy 
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
,
Yi-Jen Chang
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
,
George E. Moore
2   Department of Veterinary Administration, Veterinary Administration, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
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Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kirschner wire insertion angle on the biomechanical characteristics following tibial tuberosity osteotomy fixation in dogs.

Study Design Twelve pairs of cadaveric tibia were harvested and randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Kirschner wires were placed either transversely (0 degrees) or placed caudodistally (30 degrees) with respect to the tibial tuberosity osteotomy. Each limb acted as its own respective control. Radiographic analysis allowed for the calculation of Kirschner wire insertion angle variance. Constructs were tested to monotonic failure while evaluating yield, peak, and failure forces, construct stiffness, and failure mode.

Results Kirschner wire insertion angles were 1.1 ± 2.2 degrees and 30.5 ± 2.3 degrees, respectively, for 0-degree and 30-degree groups (p <0.0001). Yield (p = 0.0095), peak (p <0.024) and failure loads (p <0.030) were all significantly greater for Kirschner wires inserted at an angle of 0 degrees compared with 30 degrees. Construct stiffness did not differ regardless of insertion angle (p = 0.068). Failure mode did not differ (p = 0.87) with tibial tuberosity avulsion and Kirschner wire pull-out seen in the majority of constructs (67%).

Conclusion Kirschner wires placed transversely (0 degrees) for tibial tuberosity osteotomy fixation were biomechanically superior, increasing yield, peak, and failure forces by 1.6 times, 1.3 times, and 1.4 times, respectively, to those placed in a caudodistal (30 degrees) orientation. Kirschner wire insertion angle is an important consideration following tibial tuberosity osteotomy in dogs, with Kirschner wires placed at 0 degrees conferring increased resistance of the repair to construct deformation.

Keywords

tibial tuberosity osteotomy - medial patellar luxation - canine - Kirschner wire fixation - failure mode

Authors' Contributions

T.J.H. contributed towards acquisition of study data, biomechanical testing, drafting of the manuscript, and final approval of submitted manuscript. D.J.D. contributed towards design of study, construct repair, data acquisition and analysis, interpretation of the data, writing and drafting of final manuscript, revision of the work, and final approval of submitted manuscript. Y-J.C contributed towards specimen collection and dissection, assistance during biomechanics testing, interpretation of data and final approval of the submitted manuscript. G.E.M. contributed towards statistical analysis of data, interpretation of data, and final approval of the submitted manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 10 March 2022

Accepted: 27 August 2022

Article published online:
23 January 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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