Evaluating Joint Flexibility and Educational Efficacy: A Comparison of Elnady-Preserved and Plastinated Canine Stifle...

This study evaluates the comparative efficacy of the Elnady technique and traditional silicone plastination for preserving canine stifle and hock joints for veterinary anatomical education. While plastination is a well-established method for creating durable, dry and odourless specimens, its primary limitation is the inherent rigidity of tissues, which restricts the study of dynamic joint kinematics. In contrast, the Elnady technique utilises glycerin as a primary impregnating agent to maintain lifelike flexibility. Biomechanical assessment revealed that Elnady-preserved specimens maintained stifle and hock extension/flexion angles comparable to fresh control specimens, whereas plastinated joints showed significantly restricted ranges of motion (p < 0.05). Qualitative evaluations from faculty experts (N = 20) and veterinary students (N = 60) indicated that while plastinated specimens were preferred for ease of handling and lack of odour, the Elnady specimens were rated significantly higher for tissue realism, surgical training suitability, and understanding joint positioning. The Elnady technique offers a cost-efficient and biomechanically superior alternative for teaching joint kinematics, providing a sustainable educational tool that bridges the gap between static anatomy and clinical orthopaedic practice.