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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2021; 34(04): 279-286
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726082
Original Research

Biomechanical Comparison of Three Stabilization Methods for Tibial Tuberosity Fractures in Dogs: A Cadaveric Study

Valentine D. Verpaalen 
1   Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
,
Daniel D. Lewis 
2   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
,
Gary A. Billings
3   Georgia Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding This work was funded by a University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine's Resident Research Grant and the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine's Mark S. Bloomberg Memorial Small Animal Surgery Resident Research Fund.
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of a hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF) construct to the placement of paired interfragmentary Kirschner wires alone, and pin and tension band wire (PTBW) fixation for the stabilization of simulated tibial tuberosity fractures in dogs.

Study Design Tibias were harvested from 12 skeletally mature dog cadavers weighing 20 to 30 kg. An osteotomy was made through the base of the tibial tuberosity, which was subsequently repaired with either paired Kirschner wires, PTBW fixation or a HESF. A tensile load was applied to the tibial tuberosity until failure occurred. Mode of failure was described and biomechanical parameters obtained were compared between fixation groups.

Results The PTBW fixation and HESF construct afforded greater stiffness and load at 3 mm of axial displacement compared with fixation with Kirschner wires alone. There was no significant difference in stiffness and load at 3 mm displacement between PTBW and HESF fixation. Failure occurred by bending and pullout of the Kirschner wires for all fixation groups, preceded by untwisting of the knot in PTBW specimens.

Conclusion The HESF may provide a favourable alternative to PTBW fixation for tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture stabilization in dogs with substantial remaining growth potential.

Keywords

tibial tuberosity - fracture - external skeletal fixation - biomechanics - dog

Note

This study was presented at the Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, February 2020, Sun Valley, Idaho.


Authors' Contributions

V.D.P. and G.A.B. contributed to study design, acquisition of data, and data analysis and interpretation. D.D.L. contributed to conception of study, study design and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 12 May 2020

Accepted: 23 January 2021

Article published online:
12 May 2021

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