Dog stifle osteochondrosis treated with bone and cartilage grafts

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess clinical outcomes for osteochondral autografting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis (OC) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs with stifle OC (n=10). METHODS: Osteochondral autografting was developed and optimized in canine cadavers and purpose-bred research dogs using the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS). Dogs with stifle OC (n=10 dogs, 12 stifles) were then treated using the OATS system. Outcomes were assessed by radiography (n=12), magnetic resonance imaging (1), second-look arthroscopy (9), lameness scoring (12), and telephone survey of owners (10 clients, 12 stifles) 6-15 months after surgery. RESULTS: Complications were documented in 4 of the 12 stifles treated and included peri-incisional seromas (3) and marked stifle effusion (1). Subjective assessment of follow-up radiographs revealed evidence of integration of the grafts with maintenance of subchondral bone surface architecture. Subjective assessment of follow-up MRI in 1 stifle revealed evidence for incorporation of grafts with restoration of articular surface contour. Second-look arthroscopy 6-30 weeks after surgery revealed maintenance of articular cartilage at the graft site. Dogs were significantly (P<.001) less lame at follow-up compared with preoperative scores. Based on follow-up owner surveys, only 2 dogs had no pain or lameness; the other dogs were judged to have mild pain and/or lameness. All owners noticed improvement in the dogs' quality of life after surgery. CONCLUSION: Osteochondral autografting deserves consideration and further evaluation as a primary treatment option for stifle OC in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Osteochondral autografting for treatment of lateral femoral condylar OC lesions in dogs using OATS instrumentation is safe and results in improved function and quality of life based on owners' perception 6-15 months after treatment.