Biomechanical evaluation of four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs.

PURPOSE: This study compared, through biomechanical evaluation under ventral flexion load, four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs. METHODS: In total, 28 identical atlantoaxial joint models were created by digital printing from computed tomography images of a dog, and the specimens were divided into four groups of seven. In each group, a different technique for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was performed: transarticular lag screws, polyaxial screws, multiple screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate-PMMA), and atlantoaxial plate. After the stabilization technique, biomechanical evaluation was performed under ventral flexion load, both with a predefined constant load and with a gradually increasing load until stabilization failure. RESULTS: All specimens, regardless of stabilization technique, were able to support the predefined load without failing. However, the PMMA method provided significant more rigidity (p ≤ 0.05) and also best resisted the gradual increase in load, supporting a significantly higher maximum force (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference in flexural strength between the transarticular lag screws and plate groups. The polyaxial screws method was significantly less resistant to loading (p ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PMMA technique had biomechanical advantages in ventral atlantoaxial stabilization over the other evaluated methods.

Biomechanical evaluation of four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study compared, through biomechanical evaluation under ventral flexion load, four surgical techniques for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint in dogs. Methods: In total, 28 identical atlantoaxial joint models were created by digital printing from computed tomography images of a dog, and the specimens were divided into four groups of seven. In each group, a different technique for ventral stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint was performed: transarticular lag screws, polyaxial screws, multiple screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate-PMMA), and atlantoaxial plate. After the stabilization technique, biomechanical evaluation was performed under ventral flexion load, both with a predefined constant load and with a gradually increasing load until stabilization failure. Results: All specimens, regardless of stabilization technique, were able to support the predefined load without failing. However, the PMMA method provided significant more rigidity (p ≤ 0.05) and also best resisted the gradual increase in load, supporting a significantly higher maximum force (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistical difference in flexural strength between the transarticular lag screws and plate groups. The polyaxial screws method was significantly less resistant to loading (p ≤ 0.05) than the other groups. Conclusions: The PMMA technique had biomechanical advantages in ventral atlantoaxial stabilization over the other evaluated methods.

Assessment of postoperative inflammatory markers and pain in cats after laparoscopy and miniceliotomy ovariectomy.

Videosurgery is increasingly used in veterinary medicine. Compared with open surgery, it has been shown to cause minimal pain and promote a more rapid recovery. There are various methods of assessing pain and postoperative inflammation in cats, although their particular behaviours may make these assessments difficult. The aim of this study was to compare levels of postoperative pain and inflammation after laparoscopic ovariectomy with an open minimally invasive technique. Twenty queens were randomly divided into two groups based on the method of haemostasis and surgical technique: (1) laparoscopic ovariectomy using a miniloop (miniloop group (MG)); and (2) minilaparotomy using a Snook hook (control group (CG)). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), end tidal CO2 (EtCO2) and body temperature were assessed using a multiparametric monitor during anaesthesia and surgery at defined surgical time points (preincision, left ovary manipulation, right ovary manipulation and skin suture). Blood samples (2 mL each) were collected from the jugular vein before surgery and 1, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours, and 10 days, after endotracheal extubation for blood count analysis and to assess total protein and acute phase proteins (APP). EtCO2 and RR were significantly higher in MG patients (P<0.001). HR was higher in the CG group for the duration of surgery (P=0.01). Temperature was significantly lower in MG patients (P<0.001). Pain assessment by dynamic interactive visual analogue scale showed no difference between groups or at specific moments of time within groups. Segmented neutrophil counts increased at 24 hours postoperatively and peaked at 48 and 72 hours in MG (P=0.01). The most important result among APPs was haptoglobin, which peaked at 72 hours in MG patients (P=0.001). Patients undergoing minilaparotomy and laparoscopy showed comparable postoperative pain. However, inflammatory changes such as APPs and neutrophil counts were increased in the laparoscopic group.

Prospective clinical assessment of tibial tuberosity advancement for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinically dogs that underwent tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) six months previously. METHODS: Dogs of various breeds, gender, weight, and age that had CCL rupture and underwent TTA for treatment were included in this study. Parapatellar arthrotomy was performed in all patients to assess the joint for a ruptured ligament and meniscal injury before the TTA. The appropriate cage for the TTA was chosen with planning surgery. The surgical procedure was performed according to the literature, using a modified Maquet technique. Six months after surgery, lameness during walking; muscular atrophy; crepitation, cranial drawer and tibial compression tests and quality of life based on owner's evaluation were assessed. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were observed in only one knee (4.76%), with a surgical site seroma. The mean lameness score at walking was 0.29 (± 0.64). The mean score regarding muscular atrophy was 0.95 (± 1.56). The mean score of the cranial drawer test, in a range from 0 to 5, was 1.52 (± 1.54). The owners rated the dog's quality of life as excellent in 44%, good in 30%, and moderate in 17%. CONCLUSION: This clinical study supports the affirmation that patients who undergo TTA for treatment of CCL rupture have an acceptable response.

Prospective clinical assessment of tibial tuberosity advancement for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate clinically dogs that underwent tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) six months previously. Methods: Dogs of various breeds, gender, weight, and age that had CCL rupture and underwent TTA for treatment were included in this study. Parapatellar arthrotomy was performed in all patients to assess the joint for a ruptured ligament and meniscal injury before the TTA. The appropriate cage for the TTA was chosen with planning surgery. The surgical procedure was performed according to the literature, using a modified Maquet technique. Six months after surgery, lameness during walking; muscular atrophy; crepitation, cranial drawer and tibial compression tests and quality of life based on owner's evaluation were assessed. Results: Postoperative complications were observed in only one knee (4.76%), with a surgical site seroma. The mean lameness score at walking was 0.29 (± 0.64). The mean score regarding muscular atrophy was 0.95 (± 1.56). The mean score of the cranial drawer test, in a range from 0 to 5, was 1.52 (± 1.54). The owners rated the dog's quality of life as excellent in 44%, good in 30%, and moderate in 17%. Conclusion: This clinical study supports the affirmation that patients who undergo TTA for treatment of CCL rupture have an acceptable response.