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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2022; 35(02): v
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744433
Editorial

The Valued Contributions of Young Investigators to Veterinary Orthopaedic Research

Kenneth A. Johnson
1   School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Kenneth A. Johnson, MVSc, PhD, FACVSc, DACVS, DECVS

Amongst the papers published in this issue of the journal, readers will find new information about old, yet unresolved challenging clinical problems. These include, but are not limited to, total hip replacement luxation, patellar luxation, humeral condyle fracture, feline sacroiliac luxation and endoprosthetic reconstruction of bones and joints. While none of these studies provide the final solution or answers, each represents an incremental advancement in our knowledge—be it new ‘truths’ or the debunking of old assumptions. There are many reasons why progress in research is slow, or indeed ‘glacial’. This is evident from the fact that most of these aforementioned clinical problems have been ongoing for more than half a century. However, it is heartening and commendable that new studies are being completed and published by young surgeons and investigators.

For instance, the technique of correction of distal femoral valgus in young, large breed dogs using transphyseal stapling was originally described by the late Professor Lesley Vaughan from the Royal Veterinary College in the United Kingdom.[1] Now, 45 years later, Dr Luca Vezzoni and colleagues have shared their carefully documented details of this surgical technique and its outcome.[2] These are immensely valuable data for surgeons.

In addition, the use of extended scale computed tomography now allows the diagnosis of fatigue fracture of transcondylar screws in dogs with humeral incomplete fissures.[3] Also, custom-made femoral endoprostheses with a total knee replacement were used successfully to reconstruct massive osteoarticular resection in two cats with bone tumors.[4]

These are just a few examples to highlight the valuable contributions to our journal made by young surgeons and investigators. I hope you share my enthusiasm, when reading the papers in this issue of the journal, and that there are ‘gems’ that allow you to improve the quality of care that can be delivered to your patients.



Publication History

Article published online:
10 March 2022

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