ECVS resident in small animal surgery University of Zurich zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Trochleoplasty may cause development of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcomes for the implantation of patient-specific trochlear ridge prosthesis (TRP) in dogs affected by patella luxation (PL). We hypothesize that the use of TRP is feasible and safe. Dogs underwent computed tomography (CT) to measure the femoral groove depth, patellar craniocaudal thickness. Patient-specific implant, bone anatomical replica, and osteotomy guides were provided by the manufacturer. Surgical record, clinical rechecks, and complications were reviewed, along with pre- and postoperative lameness and patellar position. Clinical outcomes were defined as full functional, acceptable, or unacceptable functional. Radiographs were reviewed to evaluate TRP and patellar position, and presence of DJD. Thirty dogs and 43 limbs received TRP. TRP were applied in combination with femoral and tibial corrective osteotomies in 51%, with tibial tuberosity transposition in 44%, and alone in 5% of the cases. Immediate patellar position was in situ in all the patients. Radiographic follow-up was 2.8 months long. Patellar reluxation occurs in 3% of the cases. Neither implant infection nor loosening were observed. No long-term radiographic follow-up was obtained, thus little information about DJD development is available. The application of TRP is a feasible and safe technique to augment the depth of shallow trochlear groove in dogs affected by PL. TRP could be a reliable alternative to traditional trochleoplasty procedures. A superior preservation of the femoro-patellar cartilage may decrease odds for DJD in the long-term.
