Feasibility of Percutaneous Osteotomies in Dogs

Abstract

Introduction: Limb deformity correcting osteotomies are challenging orthopedic procedures in dogs and are most commonly performed on the antebrachium. Current surgical correction requires an open approach with a conventional sagittal bone saw. A promising alterative is minimally invasive osteotomies performed through percutaneous incisions, which purportedly creates less surgical trauma, reduced postoperative pain, and faster healing. Percutaneous osteotomies are gaining popularity in human orthopedic surgery, especially in foot and ankle surgery, but have not been described for use in dogs. The goal of this study was to examine the feasibility of percutaneous osteotomies using a burr in the antebrachium of dogs. We hypothesized that the burr group would have smaller incisions, less tissue damage, comparable orientation and smoothness, but slower procedure time.

Materials and Methods: Distal, mid, and proximal osteotomies of the radius were performed on medium sized cadaveric bones, using the sagittal saw on one side and the percutaneous burr on the contralateral side.

Results: There was no significant difference in muscle or tendon damage at the osteotomy sites (p > 0.05), as well as with the orientation of the osteotomy (p > 0.05). The burr group exhibited significantly shorter incision lengths (p < 0.05), but the cutting time and the total procedure time was significantly longer for the burr group, with decreased osteotomy smoothness (p < 0.05).

Discussion/Conclusion: These findings indicate that the use of percutaneous osteotomies in the antebrachial region of dogs is feasible with minimal soft tissue damage but required additional surgical time and reduced cut smoothness when compared to using a sagittal saw.

Acknowledgements: Arthrex Vet Systems for materials and supplies, University of Florida CVM, Edward DeBartolo Gift, and Boehringer Ingelheim for funding.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. September 2024