Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Best places to anchor sutures for kneecap luxation in dogs
By Mazdarani, Parisa & Miles, James Edward·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2023·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ideal Anchor Points for Patellar Anti-rotational Sutures for Management of Medial Patellar Luxation in Dogs: A Radiographic Survey.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at how to best stabilize a dog's kneecap when it slips out of place, a condition known as medial patellar luxation. Researchers found that using a specific point on the knee joint, called the best-fit circle center, is more effective than using another point known as the fabella. This finding is important for both small and large breed dogs that need surgery to fix this issue. By using the best-fit circle center for the suture anchor, vets can help ensure better stability of the kneecap during movement, improving recovery outcomes for affected dogs.
People also search for: dog kneecap slipping treatment · medial patellar luxation surgery · best suture anchor for dog knee surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to identify the ideal anchor point for patellar anti-rotational sutures for adjunctive stabilization of medial patellar luxation in both small and large breed dogs. STUDY DESIGN:  Retrospective radiographic survey was performed on 110 stifles from 101 dogs. Radiographs were grouped based on patient weight (≤15 kg; >15 kg) and diagnosis (medial patellar luxation, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and normal joints). Radiographic measurements included: the proximal, middle, and distal points of the trochlear ridge, the caudal aspect of Blumensaat's line (roof of the intercondylar notch), the centre of the lateral fabella, as well as the "best-fit" centre of a circle overlying the trochlea. These landmark coordinates were used to calculate radii for comparison, and for scaling between joints. RESULTS:  Use of the fabellar centre resulted in larger radii (corrected<0.001) than those from the best-fit circle centre for all but one combination of patient group and trochlear end point locations. Using the best-fit circle centre, radius variation was less marked than with the fabellar centre. Significant differences in location for centres of the best-fit circle and fabella were seen across all patient categories (Pillai's trace<0.001). CONCLUSION:  The fabella is unlikely to be the best choice for anchoring a patellar anti-rotational suture. Use of the best-fit circle centre to place a suture anchor should be preferred to maximise suture isometry during joint flexion and extension in large and small breed dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36588291/