Management of Complete Talocrural Luxations by Selective Talocrural Arthrodesis using Hybrid Transarticular External Skeletal Fixation in Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: This article presents a novel surgical technique in the management of open complete talocrural luxations and evaluates the results, and clinical benefits with its routine clinical utilization. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Seventeen medium- or large-breed client-owned dogs of different breed, age and sex with complete talocrural luxations and radiographic follow-up of at least 24 weeks duration. METHOD: Selective talocrural arthrodesis was performed by using a hybrid transarticular external skeletal fixator frame. Clinical and radiographical evaluation was performed regarding the lesion, concomitant injury, duration of the surgery, time to first use of the limb, fixator removal time, complications and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Dogs started to use the injured limb between postoperative days 1 to 11. Pin or wire tract related complications were observed in all dogs. Time to fixator removal ranged from 57 to 90 days with a median of 73 days. All of the operated joints with an exception of one dog resulted in talocrural fusion. Mid-term clinical outcomes score was regarded as excellent in 13/17 dogs, good in 3/17 dogs and poor in 1/17 dogs subject to authors' evaluation. CONCLUSION: A transarticular hybrid external fixator may allow early use of postoperative limb with an excellent patient compliance and is well tolerated as well. The technique showed a promising opportunity of providing favourable limb use.

Management of traumatic tarsal luxations with transarticular external fixation in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with the use of contoured mini circular transarticular external skeletal fixators for the management of traumatic tarsal luxations in 15 cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen cats with traumatic tarsal joint luxation treated by using mini circular transarticular external fixators with available clinical records and complete clinical and radiographic follow-up of at least 30 weeks duration were included in the study. Data collected were the signalment, history, type of injury, concomitant injury, frame configuration, stabilization technique, duration of the surgery, time to first use of the operated limb, fixator removal time, complications, final outcome and follow-up. RESULTS: The surgical procedure chosen was based on the type of luxation; partial tarsal arthrodesis was performed in 10 cases, tarso-crural stabilization in four cases, and pantarsal arthrodesis in three cases. Five cats started to use the operated limb immediately after recovering from anaesthesia. In the other 10 cats, time to first use ranged from one to four days (mean 2 days). In one case, early pin loosening due to half pin fixation bolt failure was observed as a postoperative complication. Fixator removal time ranged from 24 to 60 days (mean 45 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 15 cats and good in two. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is a preliminary report about the treatment of tarsal luxations with a mini circular transarticular external fixation system in which early postoperative and long-term results seem to be favourable.

Effects of electromagnetic field (1.8/0.9 GHz) exposure on growth plate in growing rats.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of whole-body electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on growth plates in growing male rats. Two groups of rats were exposed to either 900 MHz EMF or 1800 MHz EMF 2 h/day for 90 days. Sham control rats were kept under similar conditions without exposure to the EMF. The rats in the EMF group experienced a more rapid weight gain and increase in length (p < 0.05). Calcium, growth hormone, estradiol and testosterone levels in the EMF groups were higher (p < 0.05). The Safranin O staining density of femoral growth plate was lowest in the reserve zone of rats exposed to 1800 MHz and was increased in the proliferative zone of the control group (p < 0.05). The trabecular zone was thinnest among all zones and the reserve and proliferative zones were thicker (p < 0.05) than other zones in 1800 MHz group.In conclusion, 1800 MHz and 900 MHz EMF may cause prolong the growth phase in growing rats.

Evaluation of bee venom and hyaluronic acid in the intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis in an experimental rabbit model.

The aim of this study was to investigate bee venom and hyaluronic acid in the intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis in an experimental rabbit model. Forty-five rabbits were used and they were randomly divided into three groups (BVI, BVII, and HA) and each group was divided to two subgroups to evaluate the radiologic, magnetic resonance imaging, histopathologic, and biochemical evaluation in post treatment second week (a) and twelfth week (b). Radiologically, a significant difference was observed in the HA group (P<0.05). The MRI evaluation of at any time in group BVI(b) was found to be different. No significant differences were seen between the groups, biochemically. Histopathologically, cellularity, and orthochromasia was evident with Safranin-O in the BVI(b) and BVII(a); adhesions were seen in the BVII(a) group and clustering of chondrocyte in the HA(b) group were found to be different. Consequently, intra-articular application of HA and BV for experimental model of osteoarthritis has no significant influence upon recovery after therapy.

Lingual arch bar application for treatment of rostral mandibular body fractures in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a lingual arch bar technique for fixation of rostral mandibular body fractures and report outcome in 16 cats. STUDY DESIGN: Original study. ANIMALS: Cats (n=16) with rostral mandibular body fracture (10 bilateral, 6 unilateral) just caudal to the canine teeth. METHODS: Orthodontic wire (Dentaurum® ; 0.9 mm) was used as a lingual arch bar by contouring it to the shape of the lingual side of the alveolar margin, and secured by circum-mandibular wires passed interproximal to teeth. Stability of fixation, occlusion, tolerance to the lingual arch bar, degree of secondary gingivitis/periodontitis, and ability to eat were evaluated clinically, and fracture union was assessed radiographically. RESULTS: The lingual arch bar was well tolerated. Eleven cats without a feeding tube were able to eat within 24 hours. Time to fracture union and appliance removal ranged from 28 to 64 days (mean, 42.5 days). Malocclusion of the rostral part of the fracture occurred in 5 cats; however only 1 required correction. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral stabilization of rostral mandibular fractures using a lingual arch bar is a simple and effective method for the treatment of rostral mandibular fractures just caudal to the canine teeth.

Management of femoral fractures in dogs with unilateral semicircular external skeletal fixators.

OBJECTIVE: To report use of semicircular external skeletal fixators (ESF) for management of femoral fractures in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=16) with femoral fractures (n=18). METHODS: A semicircular ESF system composed of 6-hole 45° or 5-hole 40° carbon-fiber arches, 6 mm threaded rods, half pin fixation bolts, 6 mm nuts, and negative profile end-threaded half pins were used for open repair of femoral fractures. ESF configuration, complications, limb use, fixator removal time, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor. RESULTS: Seventeen fractures with sufficient follow-up healed. Eight dogs started using the limb immediately after waking up from anesthesia whereas initial limb use was 1-4 days after repair in the other dogs. Time to fixator removal ranged from 28 to 63 days (mean, 38 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 13 cases, good in 4, and poor in 1 nonunion. CONCLUSION: Semicircular ESF combined with open surgical reduction can be used to successfully repair metaphyseal and diaphyseal femoral fractures in young growing dogs.