Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Limb-saving bone prosthesis used in 4 dogs with cancer
By Fitzpatrick, Noel et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2011·Fitzpatrick Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis (ITAP) for limb salvage in 4 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four dogs with cancer in their legs underwent a special surgery to save their limbs using a device called an intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis (ITAP). After having their leg amputated, the ITAP was inserted into the bone, and over the next few weeks, the dogs healed well. By eight weeks, they were able to walk without pain. Although three of the dogs were later euthanized due to cancer spreading, the procedure showed promising results, with good integration of the device into their bodies and improved mobility.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report clinical application of intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis (ITAP) for limb salvage. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Client owned dogs with malignant neoplasia of the distal aspect of the limb. METHOD: Distal limb amputation allowed press-fit insertion of the ITAP into the radius (n = 3) or tibia (1). Remaining soft tissues including skin were attached directly to the ITAP. Limb stump and ITAP were protected by bandaging (1) or external skeletal fixation (3) for 5-6 weeks before exoprosthesis attachment. Measures of outcome included subjective assessments of limb function by owners and veterinarians, radiographic (4) and histologic (1) examination. RESULTS: Dermal integration with the ITAP was achieved by 3 weeks and dogs were walking in a pain-free manner by 8 weeks. One dog was administered adjunctive carboplatin chemotherapy. No evidence of local tumor recurrence occurred. In 1 dog, ITAP fracture occurred at 10 weeks and was successfully managed by ITAP replacement. Three dogs were euthanatized because of confirmed or assumed metastatic disease at 8, 12, and 17 months. Histologic examination of the ITAP-limb interface at 1 year documented osseous and dermal integration. CONCLUSION: Implantation of ITAP to the distal limb of dogs is feasible and can result in favorable functional outcomes. Biological integration of osseous and dermal tissues with ITAP is reliable and robust.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22092391/