By Kendra Freeman, DVM, MS, DACVS (Large Animal), DACVS (Small Animal)

A four-month-old female intact Pomeranian presents for right hindlimb lameness after jumping off a chair.

CHALLENGE

1) This apophysis typically closes, but at what age?
a. Six months
b. 11 months
c. 14 months
d. 18 months

2) The treatment of choice for displaced fractures is:
a. Activity restriction
b. Pins or K-wires
c. Pins or K-wires with tension band
d. External coaptation
e. B or C

3) Removing the implants used to stabilize the fracture is necessary to avoid premature closure of the physis as the puppy continues to grow.
a. True
b. False¹

Reference

1. Miller ZA, Cabrera SY, Mason D, Kass PH. Good clinical outcomes achieved in young dogs with tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture repairs when implants were left in situ past skeletal maturity. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2022 Sep 28;260(15):1941-1946