Biomechanical comparison of canine fascia lata and thoracolumbar fascia: an in vitro evaluation of replacement tissues for body wall reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the suitability of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) and fascia lata (FL) for body wall defect repair in dogs, by examining their biomechanical properties and useable surface area. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 8). METHODS: Fresh TLF and FL grafts were obtained, surface area was calculated before testing to failure in 2 different modes: tensile testing and resistance to suture pullout, in 2 perpendicular orientations. RESULTS: Useable TLF surface area was significantly greater than for FL. Maximum load, energy to break, and elastic modulus of FL was significantly greater than that of TLF in tensile testing, but no apparent difference in the ultimate stress or strain was identified. There was no overall difference in suture pullout load between TLF and FL. During tensile testing, tissue orientation had a significant influence on ultimate load, stress, and elastic modulus for both tissue types, with strain and energy to break only having significant effects for TLF and FL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The greater tensile strength and stiffness of FL compared to TLF was not reflected in its material properties, implying any difference was a consequence of greater thickness. Suture pullout was not significantly different between the 2 tissues, perhaps limiting the clinical significance of the tissue mechanics. Tissues were anisotropic with respect to mechanical properties, thus orientation may be an important factor.

Evaluation of variables influencing success and complication rates in canine total hip replacement: results from the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association Canine Hip Registry (collation of data: 2010-2012).

The objective of this study was to assess the variables associated with complications of total hip replacement (THR) and report owner-assessed outcomes. Entries into the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association-Canine Hip Registry (BVOA-CHR) between September 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed separately and in conjunction with previous data (January 2010-August 2011). An outcomes assessment questionnaire was used to collect data from owners. Incidences of surgeon-reported and owner-reported complications were 8.2 per cent and 4.3 per cent, respectively. THR using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis had a greater incidence of complications compared with THR using the BioMedtrix CFX cup/stem prosthesis (P=0.002); complications were 4.48 times more likely when using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis versus the BioMedtrix CFX cup/stem prosthesis. THR using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis had a higher incidence of complications compared with THR using a hybrid prosthesis (BioMedtrix BFX cup/CFX stem, BioMedtrix CFX cup/BFX stem) (P=0.046); complications were 2.85 times more likely when using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis versus a hybrid prosthesis. In 95 per cent of cases, owner satisfaction with the outcome of THR was 'very good' or 'good'. Complication rates from the BVOA-CHR are similar to previous studies. The data suggest that prosthesis type is associated with complication rate, with BioMedtrix BFX (circa 2012) having a high short-term complication rate.