Anatomical variations of the equine femur and tibia using statistical shape modeling.

The objective of this study was to provide an overarching description of the inter-subject variability of the equine femur and tibia morphology using statistical shape modeling. Fifteen femora and fourteen tibiae were used for building the femur and tibia statistical shape models, respectively. Geometric variations in each mode were explained by biometrics measured on ±3 standard deviation instances generated by the shape models. Approximately 95% of shape variations within the population were described by 6 and 3 modes in the femur and tibia shape models, respectively. In the femur shape model, the first mode of variation was scaling, followed by notable variation in the femoral mechanical-anatomical angle and femoral neck angle in mode 2. Orientation of the femoral trochlear tubercle and femoral version angle were described in mode 3 and mode 4, respectively. In the tibia shape model, the main mode of variation was also scaling. In mode 2 and mode 3, the angles of the coronal tibial plateau and the medial and lateral caudal tibial slope were described, showing the lateral caudal tibial slope angle being significantly larger than the medial. The presented femur and tibia shape models with quantified biometrics, such as femoral version angle and posterior tibial slope, could serve as a baseline for future investigations on correlation between the equine stifle morphology and joint disorders due to altered biomechanics, as well as facilitate the development of novel surgical treatment and implant design. By generating instances matching patient-specific femorotibial joint anatomy with radiographs, the shape model could assist virtual surgical planning and provide clinicians with opportunities to practice on 3D printed models.

Three-dimensional models of the equine larynx can be used to perform traditional measures of arytenoid abduction and permit the positioning of modeled implants to demonstrate the anatomic feasibility of placing a rigid implant across the cricoarytenoid joint.

OBJECTIVE: To develop 3D models of larynges to compare arytenoid abduction measurements between specimens and models, and to investigate the anatomic feasibility of placing an implant across the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ) with or without arthrotomy. SAMPLES: Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 9). PROCEDURES: Equine larynges underwent sequential CT scans in a neutral position and with 2 arytenoid treatments: bilateral arytenoid abduction (ABD) and bilateral arytenoid abduction after left cricoarytenoid joint arthrotomy (ARTH). Soft tissue, cartilage, and luminal volume 3-dimensional models were generated. Rima glottidis cross-sectional area (CSA) and left-to-right quotient (LRQ) angles were measured on laryngeal specimens and models. Arytenoid translation, articular contact area, and length of modeled implants placed across the CAJ were measured on models. Data were analyzed using paired t test or ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test or non-parametric equivalents (P < .05). RESULTS: ARTH CSA was larger for laryngeal specimens than models (P = .0096). There was no difference in all other measures of CSA and LRQ angle between treatment groups or between specimens and models. There was no difference between ABD and ARTH groups for arytenoid cartilage translation, contact area, and implant length. The articular contact area was sufficient for modeled implant placement across the CAJ with a narrow range of implant lengths (17.59 mm to 23.87 mm) across larynges with or without arthrotomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results support further investigation of a CT-guided, minimally invasive surgical procedure. Future studies will evaluate the outcomes of the new procedure for technical precision, biomechanical stability, and post-operative success rates for horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN).

Effect of end-inspiratory pause on airway and physiological dead space in anesthetized horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a 30% end-inspiratory pause (EIP) on alveolar tidal volume (VTalv), airway (VDaw) and physiological (VDphys) dead spaces in mechanically ventilated horses using volumetric capnography, and to evaluate the effect of EIP on carbon dioxide (CO2) elimination per breath (Vco2br-1), PaCO2, and the ratio of PaO2-to-fractional inspired oxygen (PaO2:FiO2). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective research study. ANIMALS: A group of eight healthy research horses undergoing laparotomy. METHODS: Anesthetized horses were mechanically ventilated as follows: 6 breaths minute-1, tidal volume (VT) 13 mL kg-1, inspiratory-to-expiratory time ratio 1:2, positive end-expiratory pressure 5 cmH2O and EIP 0%. Vco2br-1 and expired tidal volume (VTE) of 10 consecutive breaths were recorded 30 minutes after induction, after adding 30% EIP and upon EIP removal to construct volumetric capnograms. A stabilization period of 15 minutes was allowed between phases. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effect linear model. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The EIP decreased VDaw from 6.6 (6.1-6.7) to 5.5 (5.3-6.1) mL kg-1 (p < 0.001) and increased VTalv from 7.7 ± 0.7 to 8.6 ± 0.6 mL kg-1 (p = 0.002) without changing the VTE. The VDphys to VTE ratio decreased from 51.0% to 45.5% (p < 0.001) with EIP. The EIP also increased PaO2:FiO2 from 393.3 ± 160.7 to 450.5 ± 182.5 mmHg (52.5 ± 21.4 to 60.0 ± 24.3 kPa; p < 0.001) and Vco2br-1 from 0.49 (0.45-0.50) to 0.59 (0.45-0.61) mL kg-1 (p = 0.008) without reducing PaCO2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The EIP improved oxygenation and reduced VDaw and VDphys, without reductions in PaCO2. Future studies should evaluate the impact of different EIP in healthy and pathological equine populations under anesthesia.

Minimally invasive repair of acetabular fractures in dogs: Ex vivo feasibility study and case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate minimally invasive repair of acetabular fractures in dogs using plates contoured to 3D-printed hemipelvic models. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo feasibility study and case report. SAMPLE POPULATION: Adult canine cadavers (n = 5); 8 year old male neutered Chihuahua. METHODS: Bone plates were contoured to 3D printed hemipelvic models derived from computed tomographic scans of each dog. In cadavers, acetabular, ischial, and pubic osteotomies were performed. A small craniolateral approach to the ilial body and a caudal approach to the ischium were made and connected through epiperiosteal tunnels. Under fluoroscopic guidance, fractures were reduced, and precontoured bone plates were applied with locking screws. Postoperative computed tomographic images were used to assess fracture gaps, step defects, and pelvic angulation. Cadavers were dissected for subjective assessment of sciatic nerve injury. Radiographic and clinical follow up was acquired for the clinical case. RESULTS: Small fracture gaps (<2 mm) and step defects (<1 mm), low pelvic angulation (<5°), and minimal (none n = 4 and mild n = 1) sciatic nerve injuries were observed in cadaver testing. There was slight (~1 mm) medial displacement of the pubic segment and good functional outcome for the clinical case, with radiographic healing documented at 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive acetabular fracture repair in dogs with the aid of 3D printing was feasible and accurate. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Minimally invasive repair techniques assisted by 3D printing may be applicable for acetabular fractures in dogs. The technique should be evaluated further before routine use can be recommended.

Sedated cesarean sections are associated with increased kid survival compared to general anesthesia in goats: retrospective cohort of 45 cases (2011-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether anesthesia type (sedation or general anesthesia) affects kid survival to discharge in caprine cesarean sections (C-sections). ANIMALS: Retrospective cohort of 99 caprine C-sections (2011-2021). PROCEDURES: All surgeries were performed via left flank laparotomy in right lateral recumbency. The number of kids alive at presentation, surgery, and discharge was recorded. Kids that were dead on presentation or euthanized intraoperatively were excluded. Goats were classified as "healthy" (American Society of Anesthesiologists status ≤ 2) or "sick" (≥ 3). RESULTS: Kid survival was significantly higher for C-sections performed under sedation (47/52 [90%]) than for C-sections performed under general anesthesia (16/24 [66%]; P = .004). Relative risk was 1.4 and odds ratio was 4.7. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Performing C-sections in sedated goats may improve kid survival rates over those under general anesthesia.

Quantification of equine stifle passive kinematics.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantitatively characterize the passive kinematics of the healthy, soft tissue-intact equine stifle to establish an objective foundation for providing insights into the etiology of stifle disorders and developing a possible surgical treatment for stifle degenerative disease. ANIMALS: 5 whole-horse specimens. PROCEDURES: Reflective markers with intracortical bone pins and a motion capture system were used to investigate the stifle joint kinematics. Kinematics of 5 whole-horse specimens euthanized within 2 hours were calculated for internal/external rotation, adduction/abduction, and cranial/caudal translation of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and estimated joint contact centroids as functions of joint extension angle. RESULTS: From 41.7° to 121.6° (mean ± SD, range of motion: 107.5° ± 7.2°) of joint extension, 13° ± 3.7° of tibial external rotation and 6° ± 2.7° of adduction were observed. The lateral femoral condyle demonstrated significantly greater cranial translation than the medial during extension (23.7 mm ± 9.3 mm vs. 14.3 mm ± 7.0 mm, P = .01). No significant difference was found between the cranial/caudal translation of estimated joint contact centroids in the medial and lateral compartment (13.3 mm ± 7.7 mm vs. 16.4 mm ± 5.8 mm, P = .16). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings share similarities with kinematics for human knees and sheep and dog stifles, suggesting it may be possible to translate what has been learned in human arthroplasty to treatment for equine stifles.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of femoral fractures with 3D-printed bone models and custom surgical guides: A cadaveric study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the accuracy and efficiency of reduction provided by application of plates precontoured to 3-dimensional (3D)-printed femoral bone models using a custom fracture reduction system (FRS) or intramedullary pin (IMP) to facilitate femoral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Seven dog cadavers. METHODS: Virtual 3D femoral models were created using computed tomographic images. Simulated, virtual mid-diaphyseal femoral fractures were created and reduced. Reduced femoral models were 3D-printed and a plate was contoured. Custom drill guides for plate screw placement were designed and 3D-printed for the FRS. Mid-diaphyseal simulated comminuted fractures were created in cadavers, and fractures were aligned using FRS or IMP and stabilized with the precontoured plates. Number of fluoroscopic images acquired per procedure and surgical duration were recorded. Computed tomographic scans were repeated to assess femoral length and alignment. RESULTS: Compared to the preoperative virtual plan, median change in femoral length and frontal, sagittal, and axial alignment was less than 3 mm, 2°, 3°, and 3° postoperatively, respectively, in both reduction groups. There was no difference in length or alignment between reduction groups (P > .05). During FRS, fewer fluoroscopic images were taken (P = .001), however, surgical duration was longer than IMP procedures (P = .011). CONCLUSION: Femoral alignment was accurate when using plates precontoured to 3D printed models, regardless of reduction method. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Accurate plate contouring using anatomically accurate models may improve fracture reduction accuracy during MIPO applications. Custom surgical guides may reduce fluoroscopy use associated with MIPO.

Lumbosacral intrathecal lidocaine provides adequate analgesia for cesarean sections in goats: 7 cases (2020-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of lumbosacral intrathecal administration of 2% lidocaine in goats undergoing cesarean sections (C-sections). ANIMALS: 7 client-owned goats. PROCEDURES: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify records of goats undergoing C-sections between January 2020 and November 2021 with intrathecal administration of lidocaine as the primary method of analgesia. Effect of analgesia, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, quality of surgery (determined based on lack of patient movement), mean surgical time, time to stand, and anesthetic complications were recorded. RESULTS: Intrathecal administration of preservative-free 2% lidocaine (1 mg/kg) at the lumbosacral space with the use of a 20-gauge 3.5-inch (0.9 X 90-mm) spinal needle under aseptic technique achieved effective analgesia in sedated goats by time of skin incision. Adequacy of analgesia was complete (failure to respond to needle-prick of skin or skin incision) in 6 of the 7 goats and moderate in 1 goat. Quality of surgery was adequate in all goats. Mean surgical time was 96 ± 20 minutes, and mean time to stand was 182 ± 61 minutes from the time of intrathecal administration. Complications included ruminal tympany, hypothermia, and partial blockade in 1 goat each. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that intrathecal administration of lidocaine as described in the present report provided adequate analgesia for C-sections in goats, with minimal complications, and quicker return to hindlimb motor function postoperatively than historically reported for epidurals.

Kinematics of the equine distal sesamoid (navicular) bone of the thoracic limb.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the translation and angular rotation of the distal sesamoid bone (DSB) using computed tomography (CT) and medical modeling software. SAMPLE: 30 thoracic limbs from equine cadavers. PROCEDURES: Partial (n = 12), full (8), and matched full and subsequently transected (10) thoracic limbs were collected. Bone volume CT images were acquired in three positions: extension (200° metacarpophalangeal angle), neutral (180°), and maximal flexion (110°). Mean translation and angular rotation of each DSB were recorded. Differences were determined with two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's tests for pairwise comparisons; P value was set at < 0.05. RESULTS: Dorsal translation was significant during extension (1.4 ± 0.4 mm full limbs and 1.3 ± 0.2 mm partial limbs, P < 0.001). Distal translation was significant during extension (1.9 ± 0.4 mm full and 1.1 ± 0.4 mm partial) and flexion (5.4 ± 0.7 mm full and 6.22 ± 0.6 mm partial, P < 0.001). Rotation was significant (P < 0.001) about the mediolateral axis during extension (17.1° ± 1.4°) and flexion (2.6° ± 1.3°). Translation and rotation of the DSB were significantly different (P < 0.001) between full and partial limbs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides the first quantification of translation and angular rotation of the DSB within the equine hoof. Partial limbs had significantly reduced movement compared to full limbs, suggesting that transection of flexor tendons alters distal thoracic limb kinematics. Further studies are required to determine if pathologic changes in the podotrochlear apparatus have an impact in clinical lameness outcomes.

Efficacy of two reduction methods in conjunction with 3-D-printed patient-specific pin guides for aligning simulated comminuted tibial fractures in cadaveric dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and accuracy of using 2 methods for reduction and alignment of simulated comminuted diaphyseal tibial fractures in conjunction with 3-D-printed patient-specific pin guides. SAMPLE: Paired pelvic limbs from 8 skeletally mature dogs weighing 20 to 35 kg. METHODS: CT images of both tibiae were obtained, and 3-D reconstructions of the tibiae were used to create proximal and distal patient-specific pin guides. These guides were printed and used to facilitate fracture reduction and alignment in conjunction with either a 3-D-printed reduction guide or a linear type 1A external fixator. Postreduction CT images were used to assess the accuracy of pin guide placement and the accuracy of fracture reduction and alignment. RESULTS: The 3-D-printed guides were applied with acceptable ease. Guides for both groups were placed with minor but detectable deviations from the planned location (P = .01), but deviations were not significantly different between groups. Fracture reduction resulted in similar minor but detectable morphological differences from the intact tibiae (P = .01). In both groups, fracture reduction and alignment were within clinically acceptable parameters for fracture stabilization by means of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Virtual surgical planning and fabrication of patient-specific 3-D-printed pin guides have the potential to facilitate fracture reduction and alignment during use of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for fracture stabilization.

Accuracy of virtual surgical planning and custom three-dimensionally printed osteotomy and reduction guides for acute uni- and biapical correction of antebrachial deformities in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical experience using virtual surgical planning (VSP) and surgical application of 3D printed custom surgical guides to facilitate uni- and biapical correction of antebrachial deformities in dogs. ANIMALS: 11 dogs (13 antebrachial deformity corrections). PROCEDURES: Using CT-based bone models, VSP was performed, and surgical guides were designed and 3D printed. The guides were used to execute osteotomies and align bone segments. Postoperative CTs were obtained to compare limb alignment with the VSP. Long-term assessment of lameness and cosmesis were compared with preoperative status. RESULTS: Guides were successfully utilized and postoperative analysis was available for 10 of 13 deformities. Guides were abandoned in 2 deformities due to soft tissue tension. Evaluation of postoperative frontal, sagittal, axial, and translational limb alignment revealed that over 90% of parameters were within the acceptable range of ≤ 5° angulation and rotation or ≤ 5 mm of translation from the VSP. Lameness scores were improved in 7/8 deformities with associated preoperative lameness, and posture was improved in 10/10 deformities in which guides were deployed. Complications included reduced range of carpal motion (n = 2), implant sensitivity (n = 2), fracture (n = 1), and tendon laceration (n = 1). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VSP and customized surgical guide application facilitated accurate antebrachial limb deformity correction in the majority of deformities in this case series. The use of VSP and 3D printed guides would appear to be a viable and accurate approach for correction of both uni- and biapical antebrachial deformities in dogs.

Evaluation of a crescent saw guide for tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy: An ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel crescent-shaped tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) saw guide (crescent guide) to assist with saw control in novice participants. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Synthetic bones (n = 54) and medium sized dog pelvic limbs (n = 36). METHODS: The 6 participants (interns and residents) without any prior experience performing a TPLO each performed 9 osteotomies on synthetic tibia models, and 6 osteotomies in cadaveric limbs of medium-sized dogs. Osteotomies made with the crescent guide were compared with those made with a standard jig and a radial saw guide with a jig. Osteotomy angulation, distance of eccentricity (DOE), and medial tibial cortical damage (synthetic bone models only) were measured from calibrated photographs. Participants rated their experiences with each technique. RESULTS: There was no difference in the DOE, coronal or axial osteotomy angulation between the 3 alignment devices for synthetic bone models or cadavers. Average medial cortical damage with the crescent guide (3.8 ± 7.3 mm2 ) was lower than with the radial guide (35.7 ± 27 mm2 ) and standard jig (51.2 ± 63.2 mm2 ) guides (P = <.01). Five of 6 participants preferred the crescent guide over the standard jig and radial guide. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in accuracy of osteotomy positioning but using the crescent guide resulted in lower cortical damage and more favorable participant perceptions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The crescent guide may improve control of the radial saw during TPLO in novice surgeons but does not appear to aid accurate osteotomy positioning.

Three-dimensional printed surgical guides for keratoma removal in horses using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging-based segmentation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the technique, surgical approach, and postoperative features in horses treated via a 3-dimensional (3D) printed guide-assisted keratoma resection created using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based segmentation. ANIMALS: Five client-owned horses. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: Horses were placed under general anesthesia for imaging (CT and MRI) and underwent a second anesthesia for surgery. Two horses had guides created from CT-based imaging, 3 horses had guides created from MRI. Various sized nonarbored hole saws were used to create accurate and precise portals for keratoma removal. Surgical sites were managed until keratinized granulation tissue had formed and the defect was sealed with an artificial hoof wall patch. RESULTS: All keratomas were successfully removed as a single piece either intact with the hoof wall or easily extracted after the hoof wall portal was created in a surgical time between 20 and 90 min. All CT created guides fitted without issue; MRI-created guides required minor adjustments with a rotary device for proper fit. All cases had minor debridement adjacent to P3 and circumferential lamellar tissue. All horses returned to previous level of performance 2 to 4 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Use of 3D printed guides led to accurate targeting of keratomas with small surgical portals and short surgical times. Due to challenges with MRI-based segmentation, CT is preferred.

Correction: Three-dimensional-printed custom guides for bipolar coxofemoral osteochondral allograft in dogs.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244208.].

Three-Dimensional Segmentation and in silico Comparison of Equine Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Pathology in Horses Undergoing Repeated MRI Examination.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has led to increased clinical and research applications using 3D segmentation and reconstructed volumetric data in musculoskeletal imaging. Lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) are a common pathology in horses undergoing MRI. Three-dimensional MRI reconstruction performed for volumetric tendon analysis in horses has not previously been documented. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the 3D segmentation of horses undergoing repeated MRI at several time points and to perform an analysis of the segmented DDFTs across time. MRI DICOM files were acquired from six horses undergoing repeated MRI examination of the foot for DDFT injury. Once segmented, volumetric tendon surface tessellation language (STL) files were created. Thickness and volumetric data were acquired for each tendon in addition to a tendon comparison across timepoints within each horse. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for comparison of MRI reports to computer analysis. There was a significant and positive correlation between MRI and medial record reports of clinical improvement or deterioration and computer analysis (r = 0.56, p = 0.01). The lower end range limit for tendon thickness varied between 0.16 and 1.74 mm. The upper end range limit for DDFT thickness varied between 4.6 and 23.6 mm. During tendon part comparison, changes in DDFT were reported between -3.0 and + 14.3 mm. Changes in DDFT size were non-uniform and demonstrated fluctuations throughout the tendon. The study was successful in establishing the volumetric appearance and thickness of the DDFT as it courses in the foot and tracking this over time. We encountered difficulties in accurate segmentation of the distal insertion of the DDFT as it blends with the distal phalanx. The data demonstrated that the DDFT can be segmented and volumetric studies based on size and shape can be performed using an in silico approach.

Three-dimensional printed guides for screw placement in equine navicular bones.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of a custom 3D-printed guide for placement of cortical bone screws in the equine navicular bone. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eight pairs of normal adult equine forelimbs. METHODS: A 3.5 × 55 mm cortical screw was placed in the longitudinal axis of each intact navicular bone. Screws were placed with a 3D-printed guide (3D) in one bone and with a traditional aiming device (AD) in the contralateral bone within each pair. Duration of surgery and the number of fluoroscopy images were compared between techniques. Screw placement was subjectively evaluated by gross examination and scored by three boarded veterinary surgeons. RESULTS: The use of a 3D-printed guide reduced the duration of surgery by 6.6 min (±1.5 min) compared to traditional screw placement (20.7 min ± 4.8 min, p < .01). Fewer peri-operative fluoroscopic images were obtained when the 3D guide was used (18 images ± 2.6 images vs. 40 images ± 5.1, p < .01). No difference was detected in navicular screw placement. CONCLUSION: The use of a 3D guide decreased the time required to place screws and the number of intraoperative images taken without affecting screw placement in intact navicular bones. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 3D-printed guides can aid in the study, practice, and execution of surgical procedures reducing surgical time and radiation exposure throughout the operative period achieving similar results to those obtained with a conventional approach.

Use of Hausdorff Distance and Computer Modelling to Evaluate Virtual Surgical Plans with Three-Dimensional Printed Guides against Freehand Techniques for Navicular Bone Repair in Equine Orthopaedics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical execution of a virtual surgical plan (VSP) with three-dimensional (3D) guides against a freehand approach in the equine navicular bone using an automated in silico computer analysis technique. STUDY DESIGN: Eight pairs of cadaveric forelimb specimens of adult horses were used in an ex vivo experimental study design with in silico modelling. Limbs received either a 3.5 mm cortical screw according to a VSP or using an aiming device. Using computed tomography and computer segmentation, a comparison was made between the executed screw and the planned screw using the Hausdorff distance (HD). RESULTS: Navicular bone mean HD registration error was -0.06 ± 0.29 mm. The VSP with 3D printing demonstrated significantly superior accuracy with a mean deviation of 1.19 ± 0.42 mm compared with aiming device group (3.53 ± 1.24 mm, p = 0.0018). The VSP group was 5.0 times more likely to result in a mean aberration of less than 1.0 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.62-33.4). A 3.5 mm screw with an optimal entry point can have a maximum deviation angle of 3.23 ± 0.07, 2.70 ± 0.06 and 2.37 ± 0.10 degrees in a proximal, dorsal and palmar direction respectively, prior to violating one of the cortical surfaces. CONCLUSION: Procedures performed using the 3D guides have a high degree of accuracy, with minimal mean deviations (<1 mm and <1 degree) of a VSP compared with those using the conventional aiming device. The use of VSP and the HD for evaluation of orthopaedic surgeries and outcome measures shows promise for simplifying and improving surgical accuracy.

Static Magnetic Fields within Spinal Interbody Cages for the Promotion of Spinal Arthrodesis: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal arthrodesis is a commonly performed spinal operation. Spinal arthrodesis can be complicated by pseudoarthrosis and resultant hardware failure. Static magnetic fields (SMF) have the ability to improve bone fusion. We seek to assess the feasibility of the construction and implantation of a lumbar interbody cage equipped with a SMF in a caprine model. METHODS: Six skeletally mature female Boer goats underwent a lateral approach for placement of an interbody graft at lumbar (L) 1-2 and 3-4. The goats were divided into 2 groups of 3 animals. The interbody graft contained a neodymium iron boron magnet in the experimental group and a nonmagnetic titanium sham in the control group. Both groups contained a synthetic bone graft. Blinded radiographic and histologic evaluation was performed at predetermined timepoints to assess degree of bony fusion and osseointegration. RESULTS: All 6 goats underwent successful placement of lumbar interbody grafts. At the 1-month postoperative computed tomography, 1 goat in the experimental group and 1 goat in the control group were noted to have dislodged their intervertebral cage. Qualitative radiographic and histologic evaluation identified enhanced bone formation, bone density, and osteointegration of the graft in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: A spinal interbody cage containing a neodymium iron boron magnet for the production of a local SMF is feasible. Preliminary data suggests enhanced bone formation, bone density, and osseointegration of the graft.

Nanostructured Mineral Coatings Stabilize Proteins for Therapeutic Delivery.

Proteins tend to lose their biological activity due to their fragile structural conformation during formulation, storage, and delivery. Thus, the inability to stabilize proteins in controlled-release systems represents a major obstacle in drug delivery. Here, a bone mineral inspired protein stabilization strategy is presented, which uses nanostructured mineral coatings on medical devices. Proteins bound within the nanostructured coatings demonstrate enhanced stability against extreme external stressors, including organic solvents, proteases, and ethylene oxide gas sterilization. The protein stabilization effect is attributed to the maintenance of protein conformational structure, which is closely related to the nanoscale feature sizes of the mineral coatings. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) released from a nanostructured mineral coating maintains its biological activity for weeks during release, while it maintains activity for less than 7 d during release from commonly used polymeric microspheres. Delivery of the growth factors bFGF and vascular endothelial growth factor using a mineral coated surgical suture significantly improves functional Achilles tendon healing in a rabbit model, resulting in increased vascularization, more mature collagen fiber organization, and a two fold improvement in mechanical properties. The findings of this study demonstrate that biomimetic interactions between proteins and nanostructured minerals provide a new, broadly applicable mechanism to stabilize proteins in the context of drug delivery and regenerative medicine.