Trochlear Ridge Prostheses for Reshaping Femoral Trochlear Ridges in Dogs with Patellar Luxation

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Canine Surgery
• Biomaterials and Implants

Background:

• Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic condition in dogs, often leading to lameness and degenerative joint disease.
• Current surgical treatments like trochleoplasty can have limitations and complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of a custom-made trochlear ridge prosthesis (TRP) for treating canine patellar luxation.
• To describe the implant characteristics and surgical application of the TRP.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (CT) was used for custom TRP and surgical guide design.
• Sixty dogs with patellar luxation underwent surgery using the TRP, either alone or with other procedures.
• Clinical and radiographic outcomes, including lameness and implant position, were assessed post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Successful correction of patellar luxation was achieved in 59 out of 60 cases (98.3%).
• Fifty-seven out of 60 cases (95%) showed full functional recovery at final follow-up.
• Only three complications were reported, with no implant loosening or infection observed.

Conclusions:

• The custom-made trochlear ridge prosthesis (TRP) is a safe and effective treatment for canine patellar luxation.
• TRP implantation, alone or combined with other techniques, leads to excellent functional outcomes and minimal complications.
• TRP presents a promising and reliable alternative to existing surgical interventions for patellar luxation in dogs.