PDF icon Download PDF
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2019; 32(05): 362-368
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1691819
Original Research
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Articulated Joint Distraction in a Cadaveric Model of the Canine Elbow

Stephen Q. Garofolo
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Paul, MN, United States
,
Michael G. Conzemius 
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Paul, MN, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding This study was funded by the Tata Group Endowment.
Further Information

Publication History

17 November 2018

08 April 2019

Publication Date:
14 June 2019 (online)

Also available atVetCenter
   Permissions and Reprints
Preview

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine if articulated joint distraction in the canine elbow can effectively maintain a distraction gap between the articular surfaces of the canine elbow under a weight-bearing load.

Study Design An articulated external skeletal fixator with turnbuckles was applied to seven canine cadaveric elbow specimens. Specimens were potted and mechanically tested at 135° of flexion, while joint contact pressure was recorded at three locations within the elbow. Joint distraction was sequentially increased, and loads of 5 N, 90 N and 180 N were incrementally applied. This process was repeated until no pressure was recorded at each of the three locations within the elbow under 180 N of applied load.

Results To achieve 0 N of joint contact force with 180 N of axial load, the average amount of distraction needed was 2.3 ± 0.71 mm (range, 1.8–3.6 mm) at the distal turnbuckles and 1.67 ± 1.10 mm (range, 1.8–2.7 mm) at the proximal turnbuckles.

Conclusion Results suggest that joint distraction can effectively decrease articular pressure within the canine elbow joint. A maximum of 3.6 mm of distraction between the fixator turnbuckles was necessary to eliminate joint contact for the construct tested. Clinical investigation is necessary to establish if articulated elbow joint distraction is a safe and effective for the treatment of canine elbow osteoarthritis.

Keywords

elbow dysplasia - external skeletal fixator - joint distraction - osteoarthritis

Author contribution

All authors contributed to the conception of the study design, data acquisition and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.