Systematic review regarding treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in young dogs

Tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures represent a small proportion of proximal tibial fractures in dogs. We distinguish between different types of this trauma. This disease is commonly encountered in young and skeletally immature animals. In the past, dogs with tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures were not treated, which resulted in chronic lameness. At present, various therapeutic methods are available for managing this disease. The aim of this article was to present the therapeutic protocols for managing tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in dogs. The present article reviews the data regarding the treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in dogs. Many veterinarians are reluctant to use conservative methods in the treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures due to the uncertain outcome and possible fracture progression. There are many surgical treatment options, but Kirschner wires with a tension band are the surgical method of choice for managing the problem. This article also contains a detailed description of the surgical procedure with the recommended method. The manuscript additionally touches on rehabilitation and conservative treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures.