Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Trochlear ridge implants to fix kneecap dislocation in dogs
By Nicetto, Tommaso & Longo, Federico·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2024·Diagnostica Piccoli Animali, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Trochlear Ridge Prostheses for Reshaping Femoral Trochlear Ridges in Dogs with Patellar Luxation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with patellar luxation (a condition where the kneecap dislocates) underwent surgery using a custom-made trochlear ridge prosthesis (TRP) to correct the issue. Out of 60 surgeries, 59 successfully fixed the dislocation, and most dogs showed significant improvement in their ability to walk without pain. While there were a few minor complications, the majority of the dogs were fully functional at the last check-up, which was about 3.8 months after surgery. This new surgical option appears to be a promising alternative for treating this condition in dogs.
People also search for: dog knee cap dislocation treatment · patellar luxation surgery in dogs · custom prosthesis for dog knee problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  To describe the implant characteristics and surgical application of a custom-made trochlear ridge prosthesis (TRP) and to report clinical outcomes in dogs affected by patellar luxation treated with TRP. STUDY DESIGN:  Dogs affected by patellar luxation underwent computed tomography. A specific canine bone anatomical replica, a cutting guide, and a TRP were designed and provided for surgery. Surgical records, clinical and radiographic reassessments, complications, pre- and postoperative lameness, type and degree of patellar luxation, and TRP and patellar position after surgery were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were defined as full, acceptable, or unacceptable function. RESULTS:  The TRP was implanted in 60 femoral trochleae: 48 unilateral and 12 bilateral. Successful correction of patellar luxation was achieved in 59/60 cases. TRP was applied with other surgical techniques in 36/60 of the cases and as the only surgical procedure in 24/60 cases. Overall, three complications were observed: two minor and one major (patellar luxation recurrence). Neither implant loosening nor infection was observed. The mean radiographic follow-up was 3.8 months. At the time of the final follow-up, 57/60 cases were scored as fully functional. CONCLUSION:  The TRP application either alone or in combination with other surgical techniques allowed for correction of patellar luxation and improvement in preoperative lameness with nominal complications. TRP could represent a potentially reliable alternative to trochleoplasty.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37907244/