Autogenous osteochondral grafting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis in dogs

To develop and assess clinical outcomes for osteochondral autografting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis (OC) in dogs.

Retrospective case series.

Dogs with stifle OC (n=10).

Osteochondral autografting was developed and optimized in canine cadavers and purpose-bred research dogs using the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS). Dogs with stifle OC (n=10 dogs, 12 stifles) were then treated using the OATS system. Outcomes were assessed by radiography (n=12), magnetic resonance imaging (1), second-look arthroscopy (9), lameness scoring (12), and telephone survey of owners (10 clients, 12 stifles) 6-15 months after surgery.

Complications were documented in 4 of the 12 stifles treated and included peri-incisional seromas (3) and marked stifle effusion (1). Subjective assessment of follow-up radiographs revealed evidence of integration of the grafts with maintenance of subchondral bone surface architecture. Subjective assessment of follow-up MRI in 1 stifle revealed evidence for incorporation of grafts with restoration of articular surface contour. Second-look arthroscopy 6-30 weeks after surgery revealed maintenance of articular cartilage at the graft site. Dogs were significantly (P<.001) less lame at follow-up compared with preoperative scores. Based on follow-up owner surveys, only 2 dogs had no pain or lameness; the other dogs were judged to have mild pain and/or lameness. All owners noticed improvement in the dogs' quality of life after surgery.

Osteochondral autografting deserves consideration and further evaluation as a primary treatment option for stifle OC in dogs.

Osteochondral autografting for treatment of lateral femoral condylar OC lesions in dogs using OATS instrumentation is safe and results in improved function and quality of life based on owners' perception 6-15 months after treatment.