Complications of transposition of the fibular head for stabilization of the cranial cruciate-deficient stifle in dogs: 80 cases (1982-1986)

Over a 5-year period, fibular head transposition was performed in 85 stifles in 80 dogs with rupture of a cranial cruciate ligament. The most common complication during surgery was iatrogenic fracture of the fibular head or neck (10 dogs; 12.5%), and the most common postoperative complication was seroma formation at the lateral aspect of the proximal portion of the tibia overlying the pin (6 dogs; 7.5%). Sixty-nine of 80 owners were contacted for follow-up evaluation of lameness 6 months to 5 years after surgery; 51% reported excellent results, 39% good results, and 10% fair results. Fifty-six dogs were available for long-term follow-up examination; all dogs had some degree of medical thickening of the stifle, 27 (48%) had crepitus, 4 (7%) had signs of pain, and 2 (3.5%) had moderate cranial drawer instability on manipulation of the joint. Results were good or excellent in 90% of the dogs.