Stifle Joint Arthrodesis for Treating Chronic-Osteoarthritis-Affected Dogs

Abstract

Simple Summary Chronic joint pain is a common problem among dogs, for which owners often seek veterinary help. Affected dogs typically present painful lameness, stiffness, and severe atrophy of the muscles. The present study reports the case of a dog that was presented to a veterinary hospital due to lameness, osteoarthritis, and pain caused by patellar luxation, making it impossible for the dog to use its legs or walk. On the right hindlimb, we conducted stifle joint arthrodesis (SJA) and performed reconstructive surgery to correct medial patellar luxation (MPL) on the left hindlimb. For dogs unable to stand due to severe osteoarthritis caused by side effects after the dislocation of the medial patella, stifle joint arthrodesis results in the restoration of functional walking. This is surgical method can improve a dog's quality of life by recovering its ability to perform movements required in many aspects of daily life. A two-year-old male Pomeranian dog was presented to a veterinary hospital due to the side effects of a surgical correction for patellar luxation. Stifle joint arthrodesis (SJA) was performed on the patient's right leg using autologous bone-grafting techniques. The right femur and tibial joint were angled 120-130 & DEG;, and an SJA plate was fixed on the front of the two bones. After performing joint fusion of the right limb, medial-patellar-luxation-(MPL)-corrective surgery was performed to cut the tibial tuberosity on the left leg, and the fixing force was increased using the figure-of-eight-tension-band-wiring technique. Results were recorded regarding the dog's ability to walk and trot in the right hind limb; these results were evaluated for 27 days after surgery. It was difficult for the patient to walk because weight-bearing had not been carried out for 3 days after the surgery; short strides and partial weight bearing were possible 5 to 7 days after surgery. After 10 days, the patient was able to move while bearing weight with a slight disruption. With regard to trotting, the patient showed intermittent normal steps 5 to 7 days after surgery, but the disruption continued. After 14 days, trotting was possible, and it was observed that movement could be maintained during everyday activities.