Excellent long-term clinical outcome in a young athletic dog following surgical complications of a comminuted patellar fracture and patellar ligament rupture.

Abstract

A 1-year-old athletic golden retriever dog was presented for a non-weight-bearing right pelvic limb lameness that occurred during a canicross race. Orthopedic examination revealed pain and inflammation of the right stifle joint. Radiographs showed a traumatic comminuted patellar fracture. Surgery was elected and a midsubstance patellar ligament rupture was also identified. Surgical management consisted of a combination of techniques for patellar fracture fixation and primary patellar ligament reconstruction. All orthopedic implants were removed secondary to implant failure. Postoperative 20-month radiographic follow-up revealed patella alta and non-union of the fracture. However, an excellent clinical outcome was achieved with a complete return to a high activity level. Key clinical message: Surgical stabilization of patellar fractures is usually a significant challenge. A return to apparent normal limb function was achieved in this dog suffering complex patellar fracture with concomitant patellar ligament rupture despite postoperative fracture non-union.