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Biomedical subjects

Kurt S Schulz

Publications and source records attributed to Kurt S Schulz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Computed tomographic evaluation of canine radioulnar incongruence in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radioulnar incongruence (RUI) of normal canine elbows and elbows with arthroscopically confirmed medial compartment disease in vivo using systematic computed tomography (CT) measurements. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective comparison of RUI measurements in normal and dysplastic canine elbows. SAMPLE POPULATION: Right elbows of 25 medium-large breed, adult dogs with medial compartment disease and 9 medium-large breed, adult dogs with no elbow disease. METHODS: Transverse CT images of proximal radioulnar articulation were reformatted to dorsal and sagittal planes. RUI in 3 locations of the forelimb's medial coronoid was measured. Arthroscopy confirmed diagnosis of medial compartment disease in the diseased group. RUI measurements of the diseased and normal elbows were compared. RESULTS: Cumulative statistical analysis of RUI in all planes revealed no significant difference between the normal and abnormal elbows (P = .61). The abnormal elbows had negative mean RUI at the mid (P = .56) and cranial (P = .24) coronoid regions that were not significantly different from normal elbows and mean positive RUI at the base coronoid that was significantly greater than in normal elbows (P = .00082). CONCLUSION: Canine elbows with established medial compartment disease do not have significant RUI at the medial coronoid region at the time of diagnosis when compared with normal elbows. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If RUI is a significant factor in the pathophysiology of medial compartment elbow disease in the dog, it does not appear to be present at the time of diagnosis of disease. Ulnar or radial osteotomies do not appear to be indicated for restoration of normal radioulnar articular surface alignment.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2006

Proinflammatory cytokine activities, matrix metalloproteinase-3 activity, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan content in synovial fluid of dogs with naturally acquired cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare activities of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3); as well as sulfated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG) content in synovial fluid from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and dogs with clinically normal stifles. To determine whether correlations exist between demographic and disease-related variables and these synovial markers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs with CCLR (n=23) and Beagles with normal stifle joints (n=21). METHODS: Synovial fluid activities of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha) were determined by bioassay. MMP-3 activity was measured using fluorogenic substrate. S-GAG contents were determined by dimethylmethylene blue dye-binding assay. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare results from CCLR joints with normal controls. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to evaluate associations between demographic and disease-related markers and synovial markers. RESULTS: Mean values for synovial markers were significantly higher in CCLR joints compared with controls. IL-1beta and MMP-3 were positively correlated with lameness duration. CONCLUSIONS: Activities of proinflammatory cytokines, MMP-3 activity and S-GAG contents were significantly elevated in synovial fluid from canine stifle joints with naturally acquired CCLR. These results indicate that there is joint inflammation and increased release of GAGs into synovial fluid, suggesting that these inflammatory changes are associated with depletion of proteoglycan from articular cartilage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Medical and surgical treatments designed to decrease joint inflammation and breakdown of proteoglycans may be of value in the management of CCLR in the dog.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of arthroscopic and radiographic abnormalities in the hip joints of juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radiographic and arthroscopic abnormalities in juvenile dogs with clinically apparent hip dysplasia. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 52 dogs (70 hip joints) with clinical signs of hip dysplasia scheduled to undergo triple pelvic osteotomy. PROCEDURE: A ventrodorsal radiographic projection of the pelvis was evaluated by a radiologist unaware of clinical and arthroscopic findings, and radiographic osteoarthritic abnormalities were judged and scored as absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3). Arthroscopy was performed by a surgeon unaware of clinical and radiographic findings, and arthroscopic abnormalities were graded from 0 (normal) to 5 (exposed, eburnated subchondral bone). RESULTS: In 30 of the 70 (43%) hip joints, no radiographic osteoarthritic abnormalities were seen. Severe, full-thickness articular cartilage lesions (grade 4) of the femoral head or acetabulum were seen arthroscopically in 14 (20%) joints. Lesions > or = grade 2 were seen in 60 (86%) joints. Partial tearing of the ligament of the femoral head was present in 57 (81%) joints, and complete rupture was seen in 5 (7%). Radiographic abnormalities were seen in 13 of the 14 (93%; 95% confidence interval, 66% to 99.8%) joints with grade 4 arthroscopic abnormalities but in only 23 of the 46 (50%; 95% confidence interval, 35% to 65%) joints with grade 2 or 3 arthroscopic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that radiography is not a sensitive method for identifying moderate cartilage lesions in juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia. If moderate cartilage lesions are an important prognostic indicator for the success of triple pelvic osteotomy, then methods other than radiography should be used to detect these lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

In vitro force mapping of normal canine humeroradial and humeroulnar joints.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of force between the articular surfaces of the humerus and radius and between the humerus and ulna in normal canine forelimbs. SAMPLE POPULATION: 12 cadaveric canine right forelimbs. PROCEDURE: Transarticular force maps were created by placing a tactile array pressure sensor into the elbow joint cavity and loading cadaveric forelimbs in a materials testing system. Mean joint forces were determined at loads of 50, 100, 150, and 200 N. RESULTS: All tests produced 2 distinct areas of high load that corresponded with the proximal articular surfaces of the radius and ulna. Mean forces for the radial proximal articular surface were slightly but significantly greater than for the ulna, averaging 51% to 52% of total force for all applied loads. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proximal articular surface of the ulna contributes substantially to load transfer through the canine elbow joint. Abnormalities, which increase this load, might contribute to canine elbow joint dysplasia, specifically fragmentation of the medial coronoid process and osteochondritis dissecans of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle. In the treatment of these conditions, the normal force distribution within the canine elbow joint should be taken into consideration.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Direct and indirect markers of cartilage metabolism in synovial fluid obtained from dogs with hip dysplasia and correlation with clinical and radiographic variables.

OBJECTIVE: To compare activities of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and contents of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG) in joint fluid obtained from dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) and clinically normal dogs, evaluate correlations among these markers in joint fluid obtained from dogs with HD, and evaluate correlations between each marker and clinical and radiographic variables. Animals-26 dogs with HD (clinical group) and 43 clinically normal Beagles (control group). PROCEDURE: Joint fluid was aseptically collected from the hip joints of all dogs. For each dog in the clinical group, age, duration of lameness, radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) score, and Norberg angle in each affected joint were recorded. Activities of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and MMP-3 and S-GAG contents were measured. Values were compared between groups by use of Mann-Whitney U tests, and the Spearman rank correlation test was used to evaluate correlations among markers and between each marker and clinical or radiographic variables. RESULTS: Values of all markers were significantly higher for the clinical group, compared with values for the control group. There was a moderate positive correlation between lameness duration and IL-6 activity and a strong negative correlation between the Norberg angle and IL-1beta activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of our results indicated that there was a significant increase in markers of OA in dogs with HD. Activities of IL-1beta and IL-6 in joint fluid of dogs with HD may be influenced by the severity of laxity in the hip joint and lameness duration, respectively.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Effect of a ventral slot procedure and of smooth or positive-profile threaded pins with polymethylmethacrylate fixation on intervertebral biomechanics at treated and adjacent canine cervical vertebral motion units.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanics of cervical vertebral motion units (VMUs) before and after a ventral slot procedure and after subsequent pin-poly-methylmethacrylate (pin-PMMA) fixation and to assess the use of smooth and positive-profile threaded (PPT) pins in pin-PMMA fixation and intravertebral pin placement. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cervical portions (C3 through C6 vertebrae) of 14 cadaveric canine vertebral columns. PROCEDURE: Flexion and extension bending moments were applied to specimens before and after creation of a ventral slot across the C4-C5 intervertebral space and after subsequent smooth or PPT pin-PMMA fixation at that site. Data for the C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6 VMUs were compared among treatments and between pin types, and pin protrusion was compared between pin types. RESULTS: Compared with values in intact specimens, ventral slot treatment increased neutral zone range of motion (NZ-ROM) by 98% at the treated VMUs and appeared to decrease overall ROM at adjacent VMUs; pin-PMMA fixation decreased NZ-ROM by 92% at the treated VMUs and increased overall NZ-ROM by 19% to 24% at adjacentVMUs. Specimens fixed with PPT pins were 82% (flexion) and 80% (extension) stiffer than smooth-pin-fixed specimens. Overall, 41% of pins protruded into foramina; PPT pins were more likely to protrude into transverse foramina. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that fixation of a cervical VMU alters the biomechanics of adjacent VMUs and may contribute to intervertebral degeneration of adjacent intervertebral disks. Use of threaded pins may lower the incidence of pin loosening and implant failure but enhances the likelihood of transverse foramina penetration.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Effects of a whole-body spandex garment on rectal temperature and oxygen consumption in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a full-body spandex garment would alter rectal temperatures of healthy dogs at rest in cool and warm environments. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 10 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: Each dog was evaluated at a low (20 degrees to 25 degrees C [68 degrees to 77 degrees F]) or high (30 degrees to 35 degrees C [86 degrees to 95 degrees F]) ambient temperature while wearing or not wearing a commercially available whole-body spandex garment designed for dogs. Oxygen consumption was measured by placing dogs in a flow-through indirect calorimeter for 90 to 120 minutes. Rectal temperature was measured before dogs were placed in the calorimeter and after they were removed. RESULTS: Rectal temperature increased significantly more at the higher ambient temperature than at the lower temperature and when dogs were not wearing the garment than when they were wearing it. The specific rate of oxygen consumption was significantly higher at the lower ambient temperature than at the higher temperature. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that wearing a snug spandex body garment does not increase the possibility that dogs will overheat while in moderate ambient temperatures. Instead, wearing such a garment may enable dogs to better maintain body temperature during moderate heat loading. These results suggest that such garments might be used for purposes such as wound or suture protection without causing dogs to overheat.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Effect of humeral osteotomy on joint surface contact in canine elbow joints.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of sliding and wedge osteotomies of the humerus on the joint surface contact areas in anatomically normal elbow joints of dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Left thoracic limbs from 5 skeletally mature mixed-breed canine cadavers. PROCEDURE: Joint casting was performed by placement of colored polymethylmethacrylate in the elbow joint cavity followed by loading in a materials testing system at physiologic angle and load. Joint casting was performed in unaltered specimens, after 10 degrees medial opening wedge osteotomy, and after lateral sliding osteotomy of the proximal portion of the humerus. Computer-aided analysis of photographs of proximal radial and ulnar articular surfaces after each casting procedure was performed. RESULTS: The lateral sliding humeral osteotomy and 10 degrees medial opening wedge osteotomy significantly altered joint surface contact regions of the canine elbow joint. Osteotomies resulted in a reduction in the size of the radial, ulnar, and combined radioulnar contact areas. Both osteotomies also resulted in craniolateral migration of the radial contact area and craniomedial recession of the ulnar contact area. Although the reduction in ulnar contact area with these treatments is consistent with our hypotheses, the reduction in radial contact area was not anticipated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Humeral osteotomies alter joint surface contact areas of the canine elbow joint in vitro. Humeral osteotomies may decrease contact areas on the diseased region of the joint in dogs with elbow dysplasia; however, the overall decrease in joint surface contact area suggests that these procedures may induce focal increases in pressure that may cause iatrogenic cartilage damage when applied in vivo.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Two-dimensional link-segment model of the forelimb of dogs at a walk.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate normative joint angle, intersegmental forces, moment of force, and mechanical power at elbow, antebrachiocarpal, and metacarpophalangeal joints of dogs at a walk. ANIMALS: 6 clinically normal mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Kinetic data were collected via a force platform, and kinematic data were collected from forelimbs by use of 3-dimensional videography. Length, location of the center of mass, total mass, and mass moment of inertia about the center of mass were determined for each of 4 segments of the forelimb. Kinematic data and inertial properties were combined with vertical and craniocaudal ground reaction forces to calculate sagittal plane forces and moments across joints of interest throughout stance phase. Mechanical power was calculated as the product of net joint moment and the angular velocity. Joint angles were calculated directly from kinematic data. RESULTS: All joint intersegmental forces were similar to ground reaction forces, with a decrease in magnitude the more proximal the location of each joint. Flexor moments were observed at metacarpophalangeal and antebrachiocarpal joints, and extensor moments were observed at elbow and shoulder joints, which provided a net extensor support moment for the forelimb. Typical profiles of work existed for each joint. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For clinically normal dogs of a similar size at a walk, inverse dynamic calculation of intersegmental forces, moments of force, and mechanical power for forelimb joints yielded values of consistent patterns and magnitudes. These values may be used for comparison in evaluations of gait in other studies and in treatment of dogs with forelimb musculoskeletal disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry of the elbow joint in clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subchondral bone density patterns in elbow joints of clinically normal dogs by use of computed tomographic (CT) osteoabsorptiometry. SAMPLE POPULATION: 20 cadaver forelimbs from 10 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: Each elbow joint was imaged in parasagittal and transverse planes of 1.5-mm thickness. Slice data were converted to dipotassium phosphate equivalent density (PPED) values. Sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse medial coronoid process topographic maps were constructed. Defined zones were created for each of the 3 CT planes, and confluence and peak PPED values were determined. RESULTS: The lowest PPED value was 340 mg/ml (articular and subchondral confluence), and the highest was 1780 mg/ml (peak subchondral density). Detectable effects of joint laterality were not found in the confluence or peak PPED measurements or in the peak-to-confluence PPED ratio for all 3 CT planes. Significant differences were found among zones in all 3 planes for confluence and peak PPED measurements and between sagittal and transverse planes for peak-to-confluence PPED ratios. Subjectively, the pattern of density distribution among dogs was fairly consistent for the sagittal and parasagittal slices. Three specific patterns of density distribution were apparent on the transverse topographic maps of the medial coronoid process that corresponded to conformational differences. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of CT osteoabsorptiometry provides a repeatable technique that can be used to noninvasively examine bone density and the effects of stress acting on joints in vivo. Variability in density values for any of the CT planes was not identified among clinically normal dogs.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

In vitro biomechanical study of rotational stabilizers of the canine elbow joint.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a model for measuring rotary stability of the canine elbow joint and to evaluate the relative contribution of the anconeal process (AN), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL). SAMPLE POPULATION: 18 forelimbs from 12 canine cadavers. PROCEDURE: Forelimbs were allocated to 3 experimental groups (6 forelimbs/group). Each intact forelimb was placed in extension at an angle of 135 degrees and cycled 50 times from -16 degrees (pronation) to +28 degrees (supination) in a continuous manner at 2.0 Hz. Cycling was repeated following sectioning of the structure of interest (group 1, AN; group 2, LCL; and group 3, MCL). Torque at -12 degrees (pronation) and +18 degrees (supination) was measured for each intact and experimentally sectioned limb. A Student t test was performed to compare torque values obtained from intact verses experimentally sectioned limbs and for comparison with established criteria for differentiation of primary (> or = 33%), secondary (10 to 33%), and tertiary rotational stabilizers (< 10%). RESULTS: In pronation, the AN was the only primary stabilizer (65%). For supination, the LCL was a primary stabilizer (48%), AN was a secondary stabilizer (24%), and MCL was a tertiary stabilizer (7%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With the elbow joint in extension at an angle of 135 degrees, the AN is a primary rotational stabilizer in pronation, and the LCL is a primary stabilizer in supination. Disruption of the AN or LCL may affect rotary range of motion or compromise stability of the elbow joint in dogs.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sensitivity of radiographic evaluation of radio-ulnar incongruence in the dog in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of radiographic evaluation of radio-ulnar incongruence in canine elbow joints in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: Radiographic evaluation of induced radio-ulnar incongruence in canine cadaveric forelimbs by radiologists blinded to study design. SAMPLE POPULATION: Six cadaveric canine left forelimbs. METHODS: Extended lateral, 90 degrees flexed lateral, and cranio-caudal projections were taken of the elbow joint of six cadaveric canine forelimbs. A four-pin, type I external skeletal fixator (ESF) with a linear motor side bar was attached to the medial aspect of the radius, and a 2-cm segment of bone was removed from the mid-diaphysis. A 3.5-mm cortical bone screw placed from the medial to lateral styloid processes prevented relative movement between the distal radius and ulna during radial shortening. The ESF was used to progressively shorten the radius in increments of 0.5 mm to a total of 4 mm. The three radiographic projections were repeated after each incremental change of length. After the study, each elbow joint was disarticulated to confirm the presence of a step defect. The original radiographs and three copies were randomized and then evaluated by four radiologists blinded to the study design. Radiologists were asked to evaluate whether the joint was normal or abnormal and if there was evidence of radio-ulnar incongruence. The ability of each radiologist to correctly identify congruent elbows (specificity) and incongruent elbows (sensitivity) was calculated. RESULTS: The median specificity was 86% using the lateral projection and 82% using the cranio-caudal projection. The median sensitivities using the lateral and cranio-caudal radiographic projections were 78% and 79%, respectively. The degree of radial shortening required for individual radiologists to achieve a sensitivity of 90% ranged from 1.5 mm to greater than 4 mm. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Standard radiographic evaluation for radio-ulnar incongruence in the dog may be associated with relatively poor sensitivity and specificity. Invasive surgical procedures and screening programs that rely on radiographic diagnosis of radio-ulnar incongruence should be discouraged until a more reliable method of diagnosis of this type of elbow joint incongruence is available.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effects of femoral stem and neck length on cement strains in a canine total hip replacement model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of femoral prosthesis stem length and head size on cement strains in a canine hip replacement system. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro experimental model. SAMPLE POPULATION: (1) Three standard and 3 1-cm shortened femoral implants with +3 femoral heads. (2) Two standard implants with +0, +3, and +6 femoral heads. METHODS: Femoral stems were embedded in polymethylmethacrylate cement. A uniaxial proximodistal-oriented strain gauge was applied to the cement on the medial and lateral aspects of the construct 1.5 cm, 6.0 cm and 7.0 cm distal to the collar. Each construct with a +3 femoral head was mounted in a materials testing system. An axial compressive load (0-200 N) was applied to the femoral head and cement strains were recorded. Additionally, 2 standard length constructs were also tested with +0 and +6 femoral heads. The effects of stem length and neck length on cement strains were assessed with analysis of variance. RESULTS: Strains increased at all locations with increasing loads for all constructs. Shorter implants had higher strains by 152% and 171%, lateral (P =.003) and medial (P =.0025) to the stem tip. No significant strain differences were noted, at any strain gauge location, between different neck lengths (P values ranged from.20 to.67). CONCLUSIONS: Although a shorter implant stem has a potential to improve implant fit, it led to significantly higher cement strains that may increase the risk for aseptic loosening. Changes in femoral neck length did not significantly affect cement strains under the conditions tested. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Shortening of the femoral stem currently cannot be recommended in canine total hip replacement. The existing use of variable neck lengths likely does not increase the risk of failure of the femoral stem.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Short-term evaluation of dorsal acetabular augmentation in 10 canine total hip replacements.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of dorsal acetabular augmentation (DAA) in canine total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome after a minimum of 1 year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: Nine dogs that had THA. METHODS: Ten hips requiring acetabular augmentation for optimum acetabular cup implantation for THA were evaluated retrospectively. The excised femoral head and neck was used as the corticocancellous bone graft for index THA surgeries, and the dorsal crest of the ipsilateral ilial wing was used as the bone graft in 1 dog that had a revision surgery. Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were performed at approximately 8 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. Long-term radiographic examinations included use of a standing dorsal acetabular rim (DAR) projection for assessment of graft-recipient boundary. Functional clinical outcome was assessed using direct patient evaluation and telephone interview. RESULTS: One dog failed to regain limb function after surgery. Suspected aseptic loosening of the acetabular cup was observed on radiographs approximately 12 weeks postoperatively. Excluding this single explantation, follow-up physical and radiographic examinations indicated good implant and graft positioning and normal function for all dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular augmentation permitted implantation of an appropriately sized acetabular cup while maintaining complete DAR coverage of the prosthesis. Nine out of 10 hips had a successful outcome with minimal radiographic and no functional abnormalities. Further follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term outcome of DAR augmentation in canine THA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acetabular augmentation with an autogenous corticocancellous bone graft constructed from the femoral head and neck can provide complete DAR coverage to permit use of an appropriately sized acetabular cup in THA.

Acetabulum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Retrospective analysis of canine miniature total hip prostheses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the practicality and clinical outcome of miniature total hip replacement (THR) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. Sample Population- Seventeen client-owned dogs that had miniature THR. METHODS: Patient data surveyed included signalment, body weight, diagnosis, implant size, surgical technique, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Radiographic evaluation included angle of lateral opening of the acetabular component, implant positioning, cement mantle quality, and femoral displacement measurement and ratio. Client questionnaire and orthopedic examination were used to obtain long-term follow-up information. RESULTS: Miniature THR was performed to address hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis. In 1 dog, a staged bilateral procedure was performed. Mean body weight was 19 kg (range, 12 to 25 kg). Penetration or fissure of the femoral cortex was the most common intraoperative complication and occurred in 3 dogs. In 3 dogs, there was excessive coxofemoral laxity after reduction of the prosthesis. This instability was addressed specifically in 2 dogs by capsulorrhaphy or capsular prosthesis. Postoperative convalescent complications (craniodorsal luxation, 2 dogs; acetabular cup displacement, 1 dog) were related to surgical errors. Aseptic loosening of the femoral implant was diagnosed in 1 dog at 18 months. Mean follow-up time was 17 months (range, 4 to 42 months). Fifteen of 18 (83%) miniature THRs had good or excellent outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Miniature THR should be considered a satisfactory alternative to femoral head and neck ostectomy in medium-size dogs affected by hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis. The population of medium-size dogs that might derive more benefit from THR than FHO has yet to be defined. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Miniature THR is a viable treatment option in medium-size dogs with hip dysplasia.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Self-retaining braces for canine arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe self-retaining braces for canine shoulder, elbow, hip, and stifle arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical design and application. SAMPLE POPULATION: Clinical patients admitted for elective arthroscopy. METHODS: Self-retaining braces were designed and constructed from commercially available products, steel tubing, and upholstery. The design efficacy was determined by clinical use. RESULTS: A shoulder/hip retraction device was constructed from a heavy-duty Mayo stand and a steel T frame. An elbow brace and a stifle brace were constructed from a commercially available positioning arm and steel tubing. These devices were used successfully in clinical canine arthroscopy and provided consistent stability for arthroscopic surgery without the need of a surgical assistant. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic self-retaining braces can be constructed from commercially available products and other simple materials to provide reliable patient positioning without the need for a surgical assistant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Self-retaining braces may provide improved patient stabilization and eliminate the need for a surgical assistant in most cases of canine arthroscopy.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of stem length on femoral component positioning in canine total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of femoral prosthesis stem length on positioning of the femoral component within the canine femur. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eleven adult, mixed breed, canine cadaver femurs. METHODS: Polymethylmethacrylate centralized Biomedtrix size 5, 6, and 7 standard and 1cm shortened implants were placed in specimens, manipulated to achieve maximal displacements of the implant tip in each plane, and radiographed. Measurements of the implant angle, tip offset, and minimal tip to endosteal surface distance were obtained with image processing software. The effects of implant length and size on implant positioning were evaluated with the use of Student's t, chi(2) exact, and 2-way ANOVA testing. RESULTS: Statistically significant increases were noted in tip to caudal cortex distance in the sagittal plane, and available angle variability and tip offset variability in the transverse plane for shortened size 6 and 7 stems relative to the standard stems. No significant differences were noted in size 5 stems. Statistically significant increases in tip to caudal cortex distance and transverse plane available angle variability for standard 6 compared to standard 7 stems were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Shortened stems result in statistical improvement of several variables of femoral component positioning. However, the improvement appears to be clinically negligible. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alteration of current stem lengths is not recommended. The use of undersized standard implants may improve femoral component positioning in total hip arthroplasty.

Animals↗