Reverse TPLO for asymmetrical -premature closure of the proximal tibial physis in a dog.

A 4.5-month-old, 13.8 kg, female neutered mixed breed dog was presented for evaluation of acute non-weight bearing right pelvic limb lameness. Radiographs revealed a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture for which open reduction/internal fixation was performed. Asymmetrical premature closure of the cranial aspect of the proximal tibial physis ensued with a tibial plateau angle of -12°. Abnormal stifle biomechanics resulted in lameness and caudal cruciate ligament fraying. Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy was performed in standard fashion with the exception that the proximal tibial fragment was rotated cranioproximally to increase the tibial plateau angle from -12° to +5° (reverse tibial plateau levelling osteotomy). Normal healing and resolution of lameness followed and the dog remained clinically healthy 2 years postoperatively. This case report demonstrates that any change in proximal tibial anatomy, whether traumatic, iatrogenic or with therapeutic intent, can cause altered stifle biomechanics and should not be underestimated. Surgical management through corrective osteotomy can be used to restore adequate function.

Minimally invasive plate osteosythesis of fractures of the radius and ulna in a primate.

A 25-year-old female mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx - a primate and part of the Old World monkey group) was presented with a mildly comminuted, diaphyseal, radial fracture associated with a transverse ulnar fracture. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis techniques were used to achieve fixation of both the radial and the ulnar fractures. First, closed fracture reduction was achieved with a distraction frame consisting of a motorized circular external skeletal fixator. Next, dual percutaneous radio-ulnar plating was performed using a 2.7 limited-contact dynamic compression plate on the cranial aspect of the radius and two stacked 2.0/2.7 veterinary cut-to-length plates on the lateral aspect of the ulna. Uncomplicated recovery was observed with a complete return to normal activity three months postoperatively. Fracture healing was documented at four weeks, clinical union at 14 weeks, and callus remodelling at 24 weeks postoperatively. This report demonstrates the feasibility of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in a primate and shows the adaptability of this technique across mammalian species.

Median sternotomy and ventral stabilisation using pins and polymethylmethacrylate for a comminuted T5 vertebral fracture in a Miniature Schnauzer.

A 2.9 kg Miniature Schnauzer was referred to our clinic, the Emergency & Critical Care Medicine Service at the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, following a dog fight. Physical examination findings upon admission included multiple thoracic wounds, absence of hindlimb deep pain, and marked Schiff-Sherrington syndrome. Computed tomography imaging revealed thoracic wall penetration and a comminuted T5 vertebral fracture. Thoracic exploration and thoracic wall repair were performed through a median sternotomy. The vertebral fracture was exposed and stabilised intra-thoracically through the same approach using pins and polymethylmethacrylate. The pins were placed percutaneously into the vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. Recovery was uncomplicated and fracture healing was documented eight weeks postoperatively. Spinal trauma secondary to dog fights is relatively common. The presence of concurrent penetrating thoracic injury negatively affects prognosis and necessitates thoracic exploration as soon as feasible. The approach should allow complete thoracic exploration to repair parietal and visceral damage, thus indicating the need for median sternotomy rather than an intercostal approach. The present case report suggested that median sternotomy can be used to safely apply stabilisation devices for the treatment of concurrent spinal trauma. Direct visualisation of the vertebral bodies permitted optimal implant anchorage as compared to potentially more hazardous techniques such as dorsal pinning.

Non-destructive characterization of deer (Cervus Elaphus) antlers by X-ray microtomography coupled with image analysis.

X-ray microtomography coupled with image analysis was tested as a non-destructive alternative method for the textural characterization of the trabecular part of deer antlers (Cervus Elaphus). As gas adsorption and mercury intrusion cannot be applied on this soft and spongy material, its pore texture was, up to now, determined from histological sections that give only two-dimensional information. In this work, X-ray microtomography is used to scan entire or half pieces of antlers and three-dimensional image analysis is performed in order to assess the differences between samples collected at various antler locations. Results clearly show a porosity profile along the sample diameter. The pore size distribution is showed to be dependent on the sample original site.