Outcomes following surgical fixation of Gustilo-Anderson IIIb open tibial fractures.

There is no consensus as to the optimal skeletal fixation method for Gustilo-Anderson IIIb fractures. External fixation methods have previously shown higher rates of superficial infection, whilst internal fixation has shown higher risk of deep infection, but lower risk of other complications. This paper investigates outcomes in open tibial fractures based on fixation method. A retrospective review was performed for patients presenting to an ortho-plastic unit with GA IIIb tibial fractures between June 2013 and October 2021. 85 patients were identified. The most common implant was an intramedullary nail (IMN), used in 29 patients (34.1%); open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed in 16 patients (18.8%). 18 patients (21.2%) were definitively managed with a frame alone. Mean follow-up from was 18 months (2-77). Patients with ORIF needed a mean of 3.37 operations; it was 2.48 for IMN which was significantly different from frames at 5.00 (p=0.000). The mean time to bony union after definitive fixation was 11.4 months. This differed depending on the implant used for fixation, with ORIF at 7.1 months, 10.1 for IMN, and frames at 17.2 months; ORIF significantly differed from frames (p=0.009). Superficial infection was common, seen in 38.8% of patients, and only 3 patients (4%) developed deep infections involving metalwork, with no difference in rates of either based on fixation method This study supports that ORIF has faster healing times, with less time to union compared to frames. It also shows that no implant was superior to another in terms of outcomes.

Quality of English inpatient mental health services for people with anxiety or depressive disorders: Findings and recommendations from the core audit of the National Clinical Audit of Anxiety and Depression.

BACKGROUND: Clinical audit is a sustained cyclical quality improvement process seeking to improve patient care and outcomes by evaluating services against explicit standards and implementing necessary changes. National audits aim to improve population-level clinical care by identifying unwarranted variations and making recommendations for clinicians, managers and service commissioners. The National Clinical Audit of Anxiety and Depression aimed to improve clinical care for people admitted to English hospitals for treatment of anxiety and depression, to provide comparative data on quality of care, and to support local quality improvement initiatives by identifying and sharing examples of best practice. PROCEDURES: Thirteen standards were developed based on NICE guidelines, literature review and feedback from a steering committee and reference group of service users and carers. All providers of NHS inpatient mental health services in England were asked to submit details of between 20 and 100 eligible service users/patients admitted between April 2017 and September 2018. To ascertain data reliability, participating services re-audited 5 sets of case-notes with a second auditor, and the coordinating team checked 10 randomly-selected sets of case-notes from 3 services, also selected at random. The reference group and steering committee identified key findings and developed a series of recommendations, which were discussed in regional quality improvement workshops and on-line webinars. FINDINGS: Data from 3795 case notes were analysed. A sizeable proportion of records indicated that at least one important aspect of initial assessment was not documented. Many service users/patients who could have benefited from an intervention targeted at optimising physical health did not receive it. Only a minority (39%) were referred for psychological therapy. Use of outcome measures varied considerably but no single outcome measure was being used routinely. Most individuals had a care plan recorded in the notes, but a review date was documented in only two-thirds, and almost half of individuals had not received a copy. CONCLUSIONS: There was considerable variation between English mental health services across many variables, and much scope for improvement. Clinicians should ensure that care plans are developed collaboratively with service users/patients and identified carers should be provided with information about support services. Health services should investigate the reasons for low referral rates for psychological therapies. Clinicians should ensure all service users have jointly developed crisis plans in place at discharge. Service managers should agree outcome measures to evaluate the treatment provided and clinicians should use these measures at initial assessment and review appointments. The implementation of such changes provides an opportunity for collaborative research into mental health service delivery and quality.

C7 vertebra homeotic transformation in domestic dogs - are Pug dogs breaking mammalian evolutionary constraints?

The number of cervical vertebrae in mammals is almost constant at seven, regardless of their neck length, implying that there is selection against variation in this number. Homebox (Hox) genes are involved in this evolutionary mammalian conservation, and homeotic transformation of cervical into thoracic vertebrae (cervical ribs) is a common phenotypic abnormality when Hox gene expression is altered. This relatively benign phenotypic change can be associated with fatal traits in humans. Mutations in genes upstream of Hox, inbreeding and stressors during organogenesis can also cause cervical ribs. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of cervical ribs in a large group of domestic dogs of different breeds, and explore a possible relation with other congenital vertebral malformations (CVMs) in the breed with the highest prevalence of cervical ribs. By phenotyping we hoped to give clues as to the underlying genetic causes. Twenty computed tomography studies from at least two breeds belonging to each of the nine groups recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, including all the brachycephalic 'screw-tailed' breeds that are known to be overrepresented for CVMs, were reviewed. The Pug dog was more affected by cervical ribs than any other breed (46%; P < 0.001), and was selected for further analysis. No association was found between the presence of cervical ribs and vertebral body formation defect, bifid spinous process, caudal articular process hypoplasia/aplasia and an abnormal sacrum, which may infer they have a different aetiopathogenesis. However, Pug dogs with cervical ribs were more likely to have a transitional thoraco-lumbar vertebra (P = 0.041) and a pre-sacral vertebral count of 26 (P < 0.001). Higher C7/T1 dorsal spinous processes ratios were associated with the presence of cervical ribs (P < 0.001), supporting this is a true homeotic transformation. Relaxation of the stabilizing selection has likely occurred, and the Pug dog appears to be a good naturally occurring model to further investigate the aetiology of cervical ribs, other congenital vertebral anomalies and numerical alterations.

Assessing the readability and quality of online information on Bell's palsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the readability and quality of current online information on Bell's palsy. METHOD: A Google search using the terms 'Bell's palsy' and 'facial palsy' was performed separately. The first three pages of results were analysed. Readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning-Fog Index and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. Quality was assessed using the Discern tool. Spearman's correlation between quality and readability was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 31 websites met the inclusion criteria. The mean Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, the Gunning Fox Index and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scores were 52.45 (95 per cent confidence interval = 47.01-57.86), 10.50 (95 per cent confidence interval = 9.42-11.58), 12.76 (95 per cent confidence interval = 11.68-13.85) and 9.36 (95 per cent confidence interval = 8.52-10.20), respectively. The average Discern score was 44 (95 per cent confidence interval = 40.88-47.12). A negligible correlation was noted between the Discern and Flesch Reading Ease Score (rs = -0.05, p = 0.80). CONCLUSION: Online information on Bell's palsy is generally of fair quality but is written above the recommended reading age guidance in the UK.

Long-term results of ablation index guided atrial fibrillation ablation: insights after 5+ years of follow-up from the MPH AF Ablation Registry.

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) offers the best outcomes for patients. Despite the benefits of CA, a significant proportion of patients suffer a recurrence; hence, there is scope to potentially improve outcomes through technical innovations such as ablation index (AI) guidance during AF ablation. We present real-world 5-year follow-up data of AI-guided pulmonary vein isolation. Methods: We retrospectively followed 123 consecutive patients who underwent AI-guided CA shortly after its introduction to routine practice. Data were collected from the MPH AF Ablation Registry with the approval of the institutional research board. Results: Our patient cohort was older, with higher BMI, greater CHA2DS2-VASc scores, and larger left atrial sizes compared to similar previously published cohorts, while gender balance and other characteristics were similar. The probability of freedom from atrial arrhythmia with repeat procedures is as follows: year 1: 0.95, year 2: 0.92, year 3: 0.85, year 4: 0.79, and year 5: 0.72. Age >75 years (p = 0.02, HR: 2.7, CI: 1.14-6.7), BMI >35 kg/m2 (p = 0.0009, HR: 4.6, CI: 1.8-11.4), and left atrial width as measured on CT in the upper quartile (p = 0.04, HR: 2.5, CI: 1-5.7) were statistically significant independent predictors of recurrent AF. Conclusion: AI-guided CA is an effective treatment for AF, with 95.8% of patients remaining free from atrial arrhythmia at 1 year and 72.3% at 5 years, allowing for repeat procedures. It is safe with a low major complication rate of 1.25%. Age >75 years, BMI >35 kg/m2, and markedly enlarged atria were associated with higher recurrence rates.

The Syncope-Falls Index: a tool for predicting risk of syncope and complex falls in the older adult based on cumulative health deficits.

BACKGROUND: Syncope is aetiologically diverse and associated with adverse outcomes; in older people, there is clinical overlap with complex falls presentations (i.e. recurrent, unexplained and/or injurious). AIM: To formulate an index to predict future risk of syncope and falls in the Irish longitudinal study on ageing (TILDA). DESIGN/METHODS: Using the frailty index methodology, we selected, from TILDA Wave 1 (2010), 40 deficits that might increase risk of syncope and falls. This syncope-falls index (SYFI) was applied to TILDA Wave 1 participants aged 65 and over, who were divided into three risk groups (low, intermediate and high) based on SYFI tertiles. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate, controlling for age and sex, how SYFI groups predicted incident syncope, complex falls and simple falls occurring up to Wave 4 of the study (2016). RESULTS: At Wave 1, there were 3499 participants (mean age 73, 53% women). By Wave 4, of the remaining 2907 participants, 185 (6.4%) had reported new syncope, 1077 (37.0%) complex falls and 218 (7.5%) simple falls. The risk of both syncope and complex falls increased along the SYFI groups (high risk group: odds ratio 1.88 [1.26-2.80], P = 0.002 for syncope; 2.22 [1.82-2.72], P < 0.001 for complex falls). No significant relationship was identified between SYFI and simple falls. CONCLUSION: The 6-year incidences of falls and syncope were high in this cohort. SYFI could help identify older adults at risk of syncope and complex falls, and thus facilitate early referral to specialist clinics to improve outcomes.

Tibial tuberosity transposition-advancement for treatment of medial patellar luxation and concomitant cranial cruciate ligament disease in the dog. Surgical technique, radiographic and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To report surgical technique, morphometric effects and clinical outcomes for tibial tuberosity transposition-advancement (TTTA), sulcoplasty and para-patellar fascial imbrication for management of concomitant medial patellar luxation (MPL) and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in 32 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: A previous technique for tibial tuberosity advancement was modified to incorporate lateral and distal tibial tuberosity transposition. Preoperative, immediate, and six to eight week postoperative radiographs were reviewed with morphometry of a range of tibial and stifle anatomic parameters. Findings of sequential clinical examinations to six to 20 months postoperatively were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-nine stifles were treated by surgery. Medial patellar luxation grade ranged from II to IV/IV. The CCL rupture was complete in 17/39 stifles, and incomplete in 22/39. Complications occurred in 11/39 stifles including MPL recurrence (n=4). Resolution of subjectively-assessed lameness occurred in 29/39 stifles at the six to eight week assessment. Resolution of lameness was eventually documented in 35/39 stifles (4/39 lost to follow-up), and was maintained at the six to 20 month reassessment where available. The TTTA induced relative patella baja in 31/39 stifles. Magnitude of actual tibial tuberosity advancement was lower than that predicted by cage size. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tibial tuberosity transposition-advancement is a potential treatment modality for concomitant CCL disease and MPL in the dog, but refinement of planning is required, while biomechanical and kinematic effects remain unknown.

The double-arch modified type-1b external skeletal fixator. Technique description and functional outcome for surgical management of canine antebrachial limb deformities.

OBJECTIVES: To describe acute correction of antebrachial angular and rotational limb deformities (ARLD) using a new external skeletal fixator (ESF). METHODS: Dogs that were presented with lameness caused by ARLD were treated by radial and ulnar osteotomies and acute realignment. A modified type-1b ESF incorporating double arches (DA-ESF) and a novel connecting configuration facilitated alignment with six degrees of freedom. Bilateral deformities were corrected surgically in the same session. Aseptic preparation of both antebrachii allowed comparison of limb alignment. Radiographic evaluation was performed using centre of rotation of angulation (CORA) methodology. RESULTS: Thirty-five antebrachii (22 dogs) underwent surgery. Postoperative limb function was graded as good (n = 31), fair (n = 2), or poor (n = 2). Persistent medial carpal instability was associated with a suboptimal outcome. Postoperative radiographic images of the frontal and sagittal plane joint angles and elbow-to-carpus translation were compared with values that were reported in previous studies, and were within published reference ranges in most cases. Complications included delayed radial osteotomy union (n = 5), delayed ulnar osteotomy union (n = 2) and implant-associated morbidity (n = 3). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A practical technique for acute correction of complex antebrachial ARLD is suggested, incorporating a new configuration of ESF. Putative limitations of radiographic planning using CORA may be compensated by careful attention to intra-operative visual and palpatory assessment.

Tibial tuberosity advancement in two cats with cranial cruciate ligament deficiency.

Two Domestic Shorthaired cats were diagnosed with longstanding lameness attributed to cranial cruciate ligament deficiency without any history of trauma. One cat had a previous operation in which the lateral nylon suture technique was used, and the other cat was affected by a partial tear of the cranial cruciate ligament. Tibial tuberosity advancement was carried out in both patients, which resulted in long-term resolution of lameness for both. The results of these cases concur with previous studies performed on canine patients in terms of viability of technical application and satisfactory return to weight bearing postoperatively. Further investigation of tibial tuberosity advancement in feline patients is justified.

Headless self-compressing cannulated screw fixation for treatment of radial carpal bone fracture or fissure in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To report the application and clinical outcome of the treatment of radial carpal bone fracture in five dogs using a variably-pitched, headless cannulated compression screw (Acutrak). METHODS: Arthroscopy was performed prior to surgical repair in three cases. In two cases, a fissure within the radial carpal bone was more clearly apparent when oblique indirect illumination was employed at arthrotomy. Following Acutrak screw placement via arthrotomy, external coaptation was applied in all cases for a period of two weeks. RESULTS: Five dogs were treated, of which four were Boxers, and one was a Labrador Retriever crossbreed. All dogs were lame prior to treatment. There was no history of trauma, and all dogs had soft tissue swelling on the dorsal aspect of the radiocarpal joint. In all cases the fissure or fracture line was oblique in orientation, extending disto-medially from the midpoint of the radiocarpal joint proximally to the level of the second carpal bone distally. All fractures treated demonstrated progressive radiographic healing, and all dogs were free of lameness at six weeks post- operatively, but two of the five fractures failed to reach complete radiographic union. All dogs remained lameness-free with mean follow-up of 12.5 months. DISCUSSION: Acutrak screws are headless devices which achieve compression, even in small bone fragments. Threads engage both the near and far fracture segments, leading to increased screw-bone contact which maximizes pull-out strength and may increase the fatigue strength of the screw. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fixation of two-piece canine radial carpal-bone fractures with the Acutrak screw proved a reliable alternative to conventional compression screw fixation, and may have benefits over alternatives attributable to screw design and application technique.

Surgical removal of a microchip from a puppy's spinal canal.

A 1.6 kg, six-week-old Tibetan Terrier was admitted with a 12-hours history of acute onset of progressive tetraparesis following insertion of a microchip to the dorsal cervical region. Neurological examination indicated a lesion to the Ce(1) to Ce(5) spinal cord segments. Radiographic examination confirmed the intra-spinal location of a microchip foreign body at the level of the second cervical vertebra. Microchip removal was achieved following dorsal hemi-laminectomy; significant intra-operative haemorrhage was encountered. The puppy was ambulatory at day seven. Follow-up telephone interview 18 months postoperatively confirmed that the patient had made a good recovery although it had a mild residual right- sided torticollis.

Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in an alpaca.

In this report, a case of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture treated by tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO), in a 36-month-old male breeding alpaca, is described. The alpaca was presented with the complaint of acute onset of right pelvic limb lameness. The findings of our clinical and radiographic examinations were consistent with CrCL insufficiency of the right stifle joint. The right tibial plateau angle measured prior to surgery was 19 degrees . A TPLO was performed and this eliminated cranial tibial thrust. Culture of a swab taken from the surgical site prior to wound closure was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Enrofloxacin was administered parenterally for two weeks postoperatively. There were not any clinical signs of infection noted. Outcome assessments included veterinary examination (two and six weeks) and owner assessment (28 months). At two weeks the animal walked with a grade 2/5 lameness, and at six weeks radiographic examination showed progression of bone healing at the site of tibial osteotomy. A return to full breeding fitness occurred by eight weeks after the surgery. The alpaca remained free from lameness 28 months later, according to the owner.

A biomechanical comparison of external skeletal fixation and plating for the stabilization of ilial osteotomies in dogs.

This in vitro study compares the biomechanical properties of two methods of ilial fracture repair in dogs. Ten pelves were harvested from skeletally mature mixed breed dogs weighing 20-27 kg and bilateral oblique ilial body osteotomies were created. One hemipelvis from each dog was stabilized with a 2.7 mm plate and screws and the contralateral hemipelvis was stabilized with a five pin linear external fixator construct. Each hemipelvis was mounted at an angle of 30 degrees to an actuator platform, such that the acetabulum was centrally loaded by a steel sphere attached to the load cell of a servohydraulic materials testing machine. The construct was loaded at a constant rate of 20 mm/min. A load/displacement curve was generated for each hemipelvis by plotting the sustained load against the actuator movement. The stiffness, yield load and failure load for each hemipelvis were determined from the load/displacement curve. Bending stiffness was defined as the slope of the load/displacement curve from 100 N to yield load. The mode of failure was determined by observations made during testing and gross inspection of each specimen. The mean construct stiffness, yield load and failure load were compared between stabilization groups using a Student's paired t-test with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Nine out of 10 of the hemipelves that were stabilized by plates and screws failed catastrophically by fracture through the caudal screw holes and nine out of 10 of the hemipelves that were stabilized using an external fixator failed by fracture of the ischium in the region supported by the mounting roller, propagating through the most caudal ischial pin. There was not any significant difference (P=0.22) in bending stiffness between stabilization techniques, but yield (1467 N vs 2620 N; P=0.04) and failure (1918 N vs 2687 N; P=0.002) loads were significantly greater for hemipelves stabilized with external fixators.

An EMG-driven biomechanical model of the canine cervical spine.

Due to the frequency of cervical spine injuries in canines, the purpose of this effort was to develop an EMG-driven dynamic model of the canine cervical spine to assess a biomechanical understanding that enables one to investigate the risk of neck disorders. A canine subject was recruited in this investigation in order to collect subject specific data. Reflective markers and a motion capture system were used for kinematic measurement; surface electrodes were used to record electromyography signals, and with the aid of force plate kinetics were recorded. A 3D model of the canine subject was reconstructed from an MRI dataset. Muscles lines of action were defined through a new technique with the aid of 3D white light scanner. The model performed well with a 0.73 weighted R2 value in all three planes. The weighted average absolute error of the predicted moment was less than 10% of the external moment. The proposed model is a canine specific forward-dynamics model that precisely tracks the canine subject head and neck motion, calculates the muscle force generated from the twelve major moment producing muscles, and estimates resulting loads on specific spinal tissues.

MRI cross sectional atlas of normal canine cervical musculoskeletal structure.

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly used as a diagnostic tool for cervical spine injuries in canines, a comprehensive normal MRI anatomy of the canine cervical spine muscles is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to build a magnetic resonance imaging atlas of the normal cross sectional anatomy of the muscles of the canine cervical spine. MRI scans were performed on a canine cadaver using a combination of T1 and T2-weighted images in the transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes acquired at a slice thickness of 1mm. Muscle contours were traced manually in each slice, using local osseous structures as reference points for muscle identification. Twenty-two muscles were traced in 401 slices in the cervical region. A three dimensional surface model of all the contoured muscles was created to illustrate the complex geometrical arrangement of canine neck muscles. The cross-sectional area of the muscles was measured at the mid-level of each vertebra. The accuracy of the location of the mapped muscles was verified by comparing the sagittal view of the 3D model of muscles with still photographs obtained from anatomic canine cadaver dissection. We believe that this information will provide a unique and valuable resource for veterinary researchers, clinicians and surgeons who wish to evaluate MRI images of the cervical spine. It will also serve as the foundation for ongoing work to develop a computational model of the canine cervical spine in which anatomical information is combined with electromyographic, kinematic and kinetic data.

A one year prospective census of workload and process at a community hospital casualty room.

A prospective census of patients attending the casualty room of Wicklow District Hospital (a general practitioner operated service) for one year was performed. A total of 1564 attendances were recorded, of which 904 (58%) were male and 953 (61%) were eligible for free medical care. Almost half, 735 (47%) attended outside daytime hours. Concerning type of presentation, 637 (41%) attended with acute trauma, 450 (29%) attended with acute medical and 477 (30%) attended with elective problems. Repeat visits accounted for 5% of the total. Concerning outcome of consultation, 409 (26%) were given a prescription, 307 (20%) had blood tests, 263 (17%) received dressings, 183 (12%) were referred to secondary care, 168 (11%) were followed up by their GP, 146 (9%) had minor surgery, and 86 (5%) had no intervention. This study indicates that the hospital is responsible for a considerable workload, with a significant out of hours component.

Lumbosacral foraminal ratios and areas using MRI in medium-sized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To examine conventional magnetic resonance imaging planes of the lumbosacral foramina to obtain objective measurements of foraminal size in medium-sized (20-28 kg) normal dogs. METHOD: Ten canine cadavers were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging in neutral, flexed and extended position. Foraminal ratios, areas and lumbosacral angles were calculated and their relationship to body weight was evaluated. RESULTS: Foraminal ratios were found to be independent of body weight in medium sized dogs (p >0.42). Foraminal areas were dependent on body weight (p <0.05). Flexion and extension were shown to significantly change both the foraminal ratio and area. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Lumbosacral foraminal stenosis is common in working dogs. Foraminal ratios were evaluated in medium-sized dogs and were found to be independent of body weight, which may provide objective evaluation of surgical decompression techniques if calculated pre- and post-surgery. Foraminal areas were not independent of body weight.

Kinematic gait analysis of the canine thoracic limb using a six degrees of freedom marker set. Study in normal Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers with medial coronoid process disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the use of a six degrees of freedom marker set would allow new kinematic data of the canine thoracic limbs to be calculated. To identify any significant differences in thoracic limb gait patterns in all planes of motion, between the normal canine population and patients with confirmed medial coronoid disease (MCD). METHOD: Two groups of dogs were selected representing the normal Labrador Retriever population (n = 13) and Labrador Retrievers with confirmed MCD (n = 13). Normal dogs had "normal" hip and elbow radiographic scores in line with the International Elbow Working Group and British Veterinary Association guidelines. Medial coronoid disease was confirmed using arthroscopy after kinematic analysis was performed with a six degrees of freedom marker set. RESULTS: The diseased elbow was nine degrees more extended between 43%-55% of the gait cycle and 16° more supinated prior, early during and after foot strike. The antebrachium was nine degrees more supinated during foot strike and three degrees more abducted during early stance. None of the other parameters were significantly different. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a six degrees of freedom marker set made it possible for the elbow and antebrachium to be reliably tracked in more than one plane of motion. Significant differences were identified between the normal canine population and those affected by MCD. These data may help elucidate biomechanical factors contributing to aetiopathogenesis of MCD.

Shoulder joint hemiarthroplasty for treatment of a severe osteochondritis dissecans lesion in a dog.

INTRODUCTION: Partial resurfacing of the humeral head has been reported in humans to treat humeral osteochondritis dissecans. The aim is to describe a custom-made humeral resurfacing prosthesis for treatment of severe humeral head osteochondritis disse-cans in a dog. CASE REPORT: A seven-month-old female entire St. Bernard dog was presented with a 10 week history of severe left thoracic limb lameness. Radiography, arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an extensive osteochondritis dissecans lesion affecting the caudal, medial and central regions of the humeral head. A prosthesis designed from computed tomography (CT) images was manufactured in polished stainless steel alloy with a hydroxyapatite coated base and central finned humeral stem for cementless insertion. A standard caudal approach to the shoulder was used to place the prosthesis following reaming of the caudal humeral head. RESULTS: Radiography and CT imaging revealed appropriate topographical placement on the humerus. Force plate analysis demonstrated initial reduction in ground reaction force at six weeks, followed by gradual improvement at three months. There was no radiographic evidence of implant loosening and the range of shoulder joint motion was comparable to the contralateral joint at three months; these findings were maintained to final follow-up at 24 months. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Placement of a humeral head resurfacing prosthesis was an effective technique for the management of severe osteochondritis dissecans-related shoulder lameness. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the clinical use of shoulder hemiarthroplasty in a dog.

Patellar ligament-bone autograft for reconstruction of a distal patellar ligament defect in a dog.

A 3 · 5-year-old whippet was presented 4 weeks after sustaining a traumatic injury to the right stifle joint. A penetrating injury had resulted in patellar ligament (PL) rupture. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a normal appearing proximal half of the PL and absence of normal fibres within the distal half of the ligament. Surgical repair involved reconstruction of the defect using an autogenous graft harvested from the medial third of the ipsilateral PL. This repair was augmented with a pedicle hamstring graft. A transarticular external skeletal fixator was used to protect the repair for 4 weeks. Seven months after surgery, the dog was able to exercise normally without lameness. To the author's knowledge, this is the first veterinary report of PL grafting of a PL defect, and the first report of surgical augmentation using a hamstring graft.