Anatomical dissections of fresh canine hindlimb specimens were carried out on the femoral region and crus and cross sections of the crus to identify the location of safe corridors for external skeletal fixator pin insertion. Safe, hazardous and unsafe corridors were defined and measured along the canine hindlimb. Recommendations are made on the safe and effective use of fixator frames in the canine femur and tibia, in order to avoid potentially serious complications. No safe corridors were identified in the canine femoral region. The canine tibia is an eccentric bone and its entire medial aspect and part of its cranial aspect lie in a subcutaneous position. These areas are identified as safe for external skeletal fixator pin insertion.
Anatomical dissections of fresh canine fore‐limb specimens were carried out on the brachium and antebrachium and cross sections of the antebrachium to identify the location of safe corridors for external skeletal fixator pin insertion. Those areas and lines for safe, hazardous and unsafe corridors were defined and measured along the canine forelimb. Recommendations are made on the safe and effective use of fixator frames in the canine humerus and radius. The canine humerus was considered a concentric bone and no safe corridors could be identified. However, safe areas and lines are described. The distal two‐thirds of the medial aspect of the canine radius represents a safe corridor.
Villonodular synovitis is an extremely rare condition of the synovial membrane in the dog. A 10-year-old, neutered crossbreed was presented with bilateral, progressive hindlimb lameness. Periarticular swelling was noted in both stifle joints. No craniocaudal instability was noted. Radiographs showed massive intra-articular soft tissue proliferation in both joints, with no bony involvement. Arthrocentesis was unsuccessful. Exploratory arthrotomy of the left stifle revealed a greatly thickened, florid, proliferative synovial membrane. An incisional biopsy was carried out and the histopathological diagnosis was chronic active villonodular synovitis. A radical synovectomy was carried out in the right stifle joint 10 days later. Corticosteroid treatment was initiated 10 days after the second surgery and continued for six weeks, with a continuous clinical improvement. Eighteen months after discontinuation of the steroid therapy, the owners reported no recurrence of clinical signs although a mild stiffness was still present.
Thermal and microstructural damage are reduced by the HG tip, but pin-bone interface stability is also compromised. The use of a tip with 0.254 mm reduction in the cutting edge may optimize the biological and mechanical factors at the pin-bone interface.
T-tipped pins may provide the best compromise between thermal damage and interface friction for maximizing performance of threaded external fixator pins.
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