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Longo et al: Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • 15 dogs underwent minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis (MITA); 10 partial, 5 pantarsal.
  • Mean time to radiographic union: 1.8 ± 0.5 months.
  • Mean time to clinical union: 3.7 ± 0.8 months.
  • Complete osseous union: 46%; the rest achieved ≥50% with functional weightbearing.
  • Complication rate: 26% major (mostly implant-related); no catastrophic complications or plantar necrosis.
  • Functional outcomes: 6 full, 8 acceptable, 1 unacceptable (not due to MITA).
  • MITA may lower soft tissue complications vs open approaches and enable faster healing.
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs

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← Articles

Longo et al: Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • 15 dogs underwent minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis (MITA); 10 partial, 5 pantarsal.
  • Mean time to radiographic union: 1.8 ± 0.5 months.
  • Mean time to clinical union: 3.7 ± 0.8 months.
  • Complete osseous union: 46%; the rest achieved ≥50% with functional weightbearing.
  • Complication rate: 26% major (mostly implant-related); no catastrophic complications or plantar necrosis.
  • Functional outcomes: 6 full, 8 acceptable, 1 unacceptable (not due to MITA).
  • MITA may lower soft tissue complications vs open approaches and enable faster healing.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Longo 2025 et al., on MITA, which complication category occurred in 26% of dogs?

A. Minor complications
B. Delayed union
C. Catastrophic complications
D. Major complications
E. Soft tissue necrosis

Answer: Major complications

Explanation: 26% of dogs had major complications, mostly implant-related.
In Longo 2025 et al., on MITA, which of the following was *not* observed in any case?

A. Implant loosening
B. Plantar necrosis
C. Screw breakage
D. Delayed radiographic union
E. Nonunion

Answer: Plantar necrosis

Explanation: No dogs developed plantar necrosis, a known risk in open arthrodesis.
In Longo 2025 et al., on MITA, what was the mean time to radiographic union?

A. 3.2 months
B. 2.5 months
C. 1.8 months
D. 4.1 months
E. 5.0 months

Answer: 1.8 months

Explanation: Mean time to radiographic union was 1.8 ± 0.5 months.
In Longo 2025 et al., on MITA, how many dogs had an unacceptable outcome due to the MITA procedure?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 5

Answer: 0

Explanation: Only one unacceptable outcome was reported, but it was unrelated to MITA.
In Longo 2025 et al., on MITA, what percentage of dogs achieved complete osseous union?

A. 26%
B. 40%
C. 46%
D. 66%
E. 93%

Answer: 46%

Explanation: Complete osseous union occurred in 46% of cases.

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