Finding a true passion ignited a stellar career in orthopaedics.

From a self-professed 'mediocre academic performance' at veterinary school, Andy Moores' career journey proved to be anything but and he has recently opened his own specialist referral practice.

Outcome and owner assessment after single-session bilateral tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in 127 dogs.

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate complication rates following bilateral tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) as well as owner assessment of outcomes and post-operative management. Methods: Medical records of dogs presenting with bilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease that underwent single-session bilateral TPLO from 2015 to 2019 in 1 referral practice were retrospectively reviewed. A non-validated questionnaire was sent to the owners to assess their ability to cope during the rehabilitation period, as well as procedure outcome. Results: In total, 127 dogs were included for analysis. The overall complication rate was 16.5% (minor complication rate 9.4% and major complication rate 10.2%). Of the 50 owners that answered the questionnaire, 31 (62%) did not need to use sling support at home at any time and 10 (20%) used sling support for < 1 wk. Furthermore, only 1 owner indicated that they would not choose to do a bilateral TPLO surgery again. Clinical significance: Bilateral single-session TPLO surgery performed by an experienced surgeon had a similar outcome and complication rate to that of unilateral TPLO surgery. Most owners reported that postoperative care of their dog was not difficult.

Résultats et évaluation par le propriétaire après une ostéotomie bilatérale de nivellement du plateau tibial e n une seule séance chez 127 chiens. Objectif: Évaluer rétrospectivement les taux de complications après une ostéotomie bilatérale de nivellement du plateau tibial (TPLO) ainsi que l'évaluation par le propriétaire des résultats et de la prise en charge postopératoire. Méthodes: Les dossiers médicaux des chiens présentant une pathologie bilatérale du ligament croisé crânien (CCL) ayant subi une TPLO bilatérale en une seule séance de 2015 à 2019 dans une pratique de référence ont été examinés rétrospectivement. Un questionnaire non validé a été envoyé aux propriétaires pour évaluer leur capacité à faire face pendant la période de réhabilitation, ainsi que le résultat de la procédure. Résultats: Au total, 127 chiens ont été inclus pour l'analyse. Le taux global de complications était de 16,5 % (taux de complications mineures 9,4 % et taux de complications majeures 10,2 %). Sur les 50 propriétaires qui ont répondu au questionnaire, 31 (62 %) n'ont pas eu besoin d'utiliser une écharpe à domicile à tout moment et 10 (20 %) ont utilisé une écharpe pendant < 1 semaine. De plus, un seul propriétaire a indiqué qu'il ne choisirait pas de refaire une chirurgie bilatérale TPLO. Signification clinique: La chirurgie TPLO bilatérale en une seule séance réalisée par un chirurgien expérimenté a eu un résultat et un taux de complications similaires à ceux de la chirurgie TPLO unilatérale. La plupart des propriétaires ont déclaré que les soins postopératoires de leur chien n'étaient pas difficiles.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Outcomes and complications reported from a multiuser canine hip replacement registry over a 10-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes and complications associated with total hip replacements (THR) using a multiuser canine hip registry (CHR) and owner-administered questionnaire. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 1852). METHODS: Total hip replacement cases submitted to a CHR were reviewed. An online questionnaire including an adapted "Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs" (LOAD) score was e-mailed to owners. Data were analyzed to determine associations between clinical variables and the agreement by veterinary surgeons and owners for complications. RESULTS: A group of 1329 (72%) dogs had unilateral THRs and another group of 523 (28%) dogs had bilateral THRs, resulting in 2375 THRs. Indications included hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis (n = 2028/2375, 85%). Implants were manufactured by Kyon (n = 1087, 46%), BioMedtrix CFX (n = 514, 22%), BioMedtrix hybrid (n = 264, 11%), BioMedtrix BFX (n = 221, 9%), and Helica (n = 107, 4.5%). Median veterinary surgeon and owner follow up were 1328 and 900 days respectively. Postoperative LOAD scores (21 ± 9) reported by 461 owners improved compared to preoperative scores (11 ± 9) (P < .001). Veterinary surgeons reported complications in 201/2375 (8.5%) THRs and owners in 107/461 (23%) THRs, with moderate agreement (weighted kappa = 0.44). No associations were identified between complications and weight, age, sex, or breed. BioMedtrix BFX and Helica implants were associated with increased complications (P = .031) when used for revisions of femoral head and neck excisions. CONCLUSION: Excellent outcomes, including improved canine mobility, were reported after THRs. Complications were underreported by veterinary surgeons compared to owners in this first multiuser CHR. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Canine THRs are safe, effective procedures but THR implants should be carefully selected when revising femoral head and neck excisions.

Medial epicondylar fissure fracture as a complication of transcondylar screw placement for the treatment of humeral intracondylar fissure.

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of medial epicondylar fissure fracture (MEFF) after medial-to-lateral transcondylar screw placement in dogs with humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) and to identify risk factors for MEFF. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Seventy-four client-owned dogs (88 elbows). METHODS: Medical records of dogs surgically treated for HIF, and postoperative imaging studies were reviewed for demographics, fracture characteristics, and repair techniques. The width of the transcondylar screw was expressed relative to the height of the condyle. Screw angle and degree of countersinking were recorded. Information from case records and follow-up radiographs were used to identify complications. RESULTS: Medial epicondylar fissure fracture was identified in 10 elbows (11.4%) following medial-to-lateral transcondylar screw placement: 4 cases were detected intraoperatively, 2 on immediate postoperative radiographs, 1 during routine radiographic follow up, and 3 when radiographs were reviewed for this study. A larger relative screw size was found to increase the risk of MEFF (P = .004, OR = 1.5). Fifteen additional complications were identified in 13/80 elbows at a median of 6 weeks postoperatively (range 1-56 weeks). Screw loosening was the most frequent complication (n = 9) and was the only complication in dogs with MEFF (n = 3); MEFF tended to increase the risk of perioperative screw loosening (P = .06). CONCLUSION: Medial epicondylar fissure fracture occurred in 10/88 elbows treated for HIF and was more common in elbows treated with a larger screw size relative to the height of the condyle. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Placing transcondylar screws with a diameter inferior to 41% of the height of the condyle is recommended to avoid MEFF. Medial epicondylar fissure fracture appears to have a low clinical significance in the perioperative period, although its effect on long-term outcome remains unknown.

Humeral Intracondylar Fissure in Dogs.

Humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) was first described as incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle. It is now known that the fissure is a stress fracture in some dogs. The descriptive term HIF is therefore preferred. In young dogs an incomplete ossification cause may still be valid. Symptomatic HIF is treated surgically with a transcondylar implant. The aim is to alleviate lameness and avoid condylar fracture. Choosing an appropriate surgical approach and implant can reduce complications. HIF is not always symptomatic and, in these cases, surgical management is more controversial, because a minority of such cases become lame or fracture.

Complications and outcomes associated with 13 cases of triceps tendon disruption in dogs and cats (2003-2014).

This study reports data from a larger number of cases of triceps tendon disruption. Records from 10 veterinary referral hospitals between 2003 and 2014 were searched for canine and feline cases diagnosed with triceps tendon disruption, based on orthopaedic examination confirmed during surgery. Long-term follow-up and owner satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. There were 13 cases of triceps tendon disruption diagnosed across seven hospitals (nine dogs, four cats). Trauma, history or presence of a wound, surgery in the region of tendon attachment or corticosteroid treatment preceded triceps tendon disruption. Radiographic signs or histopathology suggestive of a chronic tendinopathy was common. All cases underwent surgical repair involving a tendon suture pattern, 12 of which were secured through bone tunnels. Immobilisation was used in all cases in the form of transarticular external skeletal fixation (TAESF) (8/9 dogs) or spica splint (four cats, two dogs; in one dog a TAESF was applied after complications associated with the spica splint). Complications occurred in 11 cases (17 total complications), frequently associated with the immobilisation method. One case had traumatic tendon rerupture two years following surgery. A wound at presentation was associated with the development of multiple complications. Nine cases had long-term follow-up; five achieved normal function, four achieved acceptable function. Despite the complications, overall return to subjective normal or acceptable function, as assessed by the owners, was achieved in the majority of cases.

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.

Complications and owner assessment of canine total hip replacement: a multicenter internet based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the variables associated with the complications of total hip replacement (THR) and report owner-assessed outcomes, through surgeon-based registration of cases via an online database, informed owner consent, and prospective outcomes assessment using a client-administered clinical metrology instrument. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 170) METHODS: Entries into the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association-Canine Hip Registry (BVOA-CHR) between January 2010 and August 2011 were reviewed. Variables evaluated included dog age, body weight, breed, and indication for THR and prosthesis. Associations between each variable and the incidence of complications were assessed using logistic regression. Additionally, an on-line, owner-administered outcomes assessment questionnaire (modified from the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire) was used to collect data from owners. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy cases met the inclusion criteria. Surgical indications included hip dysplasia and coxofemoral osteoarthritis (n = 150), Legg-Calves-Perthes disease (7), coxofemoral luxation (6), fracture (4), slipped capital physis (2), and femoral head and neck ostectomy revision (1). Surgical implants were from 4 systems. The incidence of surgeon-reported complication was 9.4%. No significant association was identified between weight, age, sex, breed, indication for THR, surgical technique and prosthesis, and the incidence of complications. In 82% of the cases, owners described their satisfaction with the outcome of THR as "very good" and a total of 20% complication rate was reported. There was a statistically significant improvement in owner-assessed questionnaire score before and after THR (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The BVOA-CHR offers a novel framework for the prospective studies on THR and on a national/international scale. Initial complication rates from the BVOA-CHR are similar to previous studies.

Biomechanical and clinical evaluation of a modified 3-loop pulley suture pattern for reattachment of canine tendons to bone.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified 3-loop pulley suture pattern for the reattachment of canine tendons to bone along with a biomechanical comparison with the locking-loop suture. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical study and clinical case report. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Biomechanical study: 10 paired gastrocnemius tendons and calcaneii harvested from 5 canine cadavers. CASE REPORT: a Doberman with avulsion of the gastrocnemius tendon of insertion. METHODS: Biomechanical study: paired tendons were reattached to the calcaneus with either a modified 3-loop pulley pattern or a locking-loop pattern. Tensile loading to failure was performed. A direct, non-contact, method of gap measurement, using digital video, was used to measure gap formation. Load required to initiate gap formation (defined as load at a 1 mm gap) and to produce a 3 mm gap was evaluated in addition to maximum load and gap at failure. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SEM) 1 mm gap loads were 31.0+/-4.2 and 17.2+/-2.5 N, mean 3 mm gap loads were 49.1+/-2.4 and 28.9+/-3.2 N, and mean maximum loads were 72.9+/-4.3 and 55.8+/-2.2 N for the modified 3-loop pulley suture and the locking-loop suture, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P<.05). The gap at failure was similar for both repairs. The clinical case remained sound 7 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A modified 3-loop pulley pattern is biomechanically superior to a locking-loop pattern for reattachment of the canine gastrocnemius tendon to bone and may be suitable for clinical use. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tendon repairs with a gap >3 mm are reported to be at increased risk of rupture during the first 6 weeks postoperatively. A modified 3-loop pulley pattern resists gap formation better than a locking-loop pattern.

The three-loop pulley suture versus two locking-loop sutures for the repair of canine achilles tendons.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a 3-loop pulley suture pattern with 2 locking-loop sutures for the repair of components of the canine Achilles mechanism. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical study. ANIMALS: Forty-eight paired tendons collected from 9 canine cadavers. METHODS: Paired tendons were repaired with either a 3-loop pulley suture or 2 locking-loop sutures and tensile tested to failure. To ensure accurate anastomosis gap measurement a direct, non-contact, method of gap measurement, using digital video, was devised. Load initiating gap formation (defined as load at a 1 mm gap) and load producing a 3 mm gap were evaluated in addition to maximum load, gap at failure, mode of failure, and time spent placing the sutures. RESULTS: Maximum load values were similar for both repairs. The mean 1 mm gap loads were 44.0 and 18.4 N, and the mean 3 mm gap loads were 56.3 and 34.7 N, for the 3-loop pulley pattern and the 2 locking-loops, respectively; these differences were statistically significant. The 3-loop pulley pattern was faster to place and resulted in a smaller gap at failure. All but 2 repairs failed by suture pull out. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-loop pulley pattern is more resistant to gap formation during tensile loading, and is quicker to place, than 2 locking-loop sutures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gap formation can significantly delay tendon healing. Tendon repairs with a gap >3 mm are reported to be at increased risk of rupture during the first 6 weeks postoperatively.