Type of Orthopedic Surgeries
Patellar Luxation
Femoral Head & Neck Ostectomy
De-Angelis-Surgery
Fracture Repair
Patellar luxation is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, diagnosed in 20% of puppies. The condition affects primarily small dogs, especially breeds such as Boston and Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and miniature poodles.
Most dogs affected by this disease will suddenly carry the limb up for a few steps (“skip”), and may be seen shaking or extending the leg prior to regaining its full use. As the disease progresses in duration and severity, this lameness becomes more frequent and eventually becomes continuous. In young puppies with severe medial patellar luxation, the rear legs often present a “bow-legged” appearance that worsens with growth.
- Reconstruction of soft tissues surrounding the knee cap to loosen the side toward which the patella is riding and tighten the opposite side.
- Deepening of the femoral groove so that the knee cap can seat deeply in its normal position (Figure 7); this can be achieved by a variety of different techniques.
- Transposing the tibial crest (Figure 5), the bony prominence onto which the tendon of the patella attaches below the knee (see overview). This will help realign the quadriceps, the patella, and its tendon.
- Figure 6. Standardized grading system for patella luxation.
- Complications include migration/breakage of implants, infections, or cruciate disease. Prognosis can be less favourable if combined with other abnormalities, such as long bones or hip dysplasia.
Femoral head and neck Ostectomy (FHO) is a commonly performed procedure for surgical treatment of traumatic and chronic conditions affecting the hip joint. Indications for FHO include complex fractures to the hip joint, hip luxations, failed total hip replacements.
Postsurgical FHO patients have some degree of limb shortening and gait abnormality; however, with aggressive post operative rehabilitation, these animals have been reported to respond well to the procedure and return to an active lifestyle with an excellent prognosis.
Lateral Suture Correction (for smaller dogs)
The goal of lateral suture correction is to stabilize the dog’s knee by using monofilament (a single stand of fibre very similar to fishing line) on the outside of the knee joint, thus creating stability. This suture is designed to mimic the original ACL ligament. The suture is looped through the front part of the tibia, then looped around the fabellar bone. Lateral Sutures are typically recommended for dogs weighing less than 10 kilograms.
A bone can break in many ways and we call these breaks “fractures”. To make it easier to plan for treatment, we classify fractures based on the nature of injury, location and patterns. The prognosis will depend on many factors which will be discussed when the animal is assessed.
Typically, severe lameness is noted and the affected limb is obvious. Most pets with fractured limbs will hold up the affected limb. Some pets are able to bear some weight on the limb, depending on the location and nature of the break. You may notice swelling, pain, or abnormal movement at the affected site. We will likely recommend x-rays of the affected region. Oftentimes pets need pain medication or sedatives in order for x-rays to be obtained. Other tests that may be recommended initially include blood tests and imaging. Further things such as aftercare, prognosis and best treatment options are discussed after stabilisation and diagnostics of your pet has been performed.