Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Synthetic implants used to fix shoulder joint damage in 8-month-old
By Danielski, Alan & Farrell, Michael·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2018·Department of Orthopaedic, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of Synthetic Osteochondral Implants to Treat Bilateral Shoulder Osteochondritis Dissecans in a Dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-month-old American Bulldog was brought in for limping in both front legs. After imaging, the vet found serious lesions in the shoulder joints caused by a condition called osteochondritis dissecans. The treatment involved cleaning out the damaged areas and placing synthetic implants to help restore the joint surface. After 9 months, the dog showed no signs of pain and was walking normally again, with follow-up X-rays confirming that the implants were successfully integrating into the bone.
People also search for: dog limping front legs · American Bulldog shoulder pain treatment · osteochondritis dissecans in dogs
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION:  An 8-month-old American Bulldog was presented for assessment of bilateral thoracic limb lameness. Computed tomographic imaging revealed large, deep osteochondritis dissecans lesions in both humeral heads. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME:  The osteochondritis dissecans lesions were debrided and the exposed subchondral defects were prepared to receive synthetic grafts. Circular implants consisting of a surface layer of polycarbonate urethane and a deep layer of lattice-type titanium were implanted into the osteochondral defects to reconstruct the articular surface topography. Follow-up clinical examination 1.5, 3 and 9months postoperatively revealed a lack of signs of shoulder pain and resolution of thoracic limb lameness. Nine-month follow-up radiographs showed radiographic evidence of osteointegration of both implants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:  Synthetic osteochondral implantation in the caudocentral aspect of the humeral head appeared technically feasible and effective in resolving lameness caused by humeral head osteochondritis dissecans.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29925093/