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Published on: October 20, 2023
Evaluation of three approaches to meniscal release
B Austin1, R D Montgomery, J Wright
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA. baustin@purdue.edu
Summary
Comparing three medial meniscal release (MMR) techniques in canine stifles, no single approach consistently achieved complete release or avoided iatrogenic damage, indicating a need for improved methods.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Medial meniscal release (MMR) is a surgical procedure.
- Evaluating different MMR approaches is crucial for surgical outcomes.
- Canine stifle anatomy provides a relevant model for meniscal surgery research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of three medial meniscal release (MMR) techniques.
- To assess the time, completeness, and accuracy of meniscal transection for each approach.
- To evaluate iatrogenic damage to surrounding stifle structures.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of caudomedial arthrotomy, blind stab incision, and arthroscopic guided approaches for MMR.
- Utilized 48 canine cadaver stifles with intact cranial cruciate ligaments.
- Recorded procedure time, meniscal release success, and iatrogenic damage to cruciate ligaments, cartilage, and collateral ligaments.
Main Results:
- Mini-arthrotomy achieved 81% MMR success; blind stab, 56%; arthroscopic, 62.5%.
- Iatrogenic damage rates were 4% (mini-arthrotomy, blind stab) and 10% (arthroscopic).
- No significant differences in success or damage rates; blind technique was fastest, arthroscopic slowest.
Conclusions:
- None of the evaluated medial meniscal release approaches consistently provided complete and accurate meniscal release.
- Surgical technique and approach did not significantly impact the rate of iatrogenic damage.
- Further research is needed to optimize medial meniscal release techniques in veterinary surgery.