VCOT July 2025 – Ortho Part 1: TPLO Remnants, MPL Locking Plates & Implant Stress Risers

VCOT May 2026 – Ortho Part 2: Elbow Congruity, Hip Laxity & Hidden Tendon Disease

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by exploring three studies that reveal how hidden pathology often lies beneath seemingly normal clinical findings.  From subtle elbow incongruity in medial coronoid disease to standardizing stress radiography for hip dysplasia and identifying silent gastrocnemius tendon injuries in canine athletes, these papers emphasize the importance of looking beyond what is immediately visible. In this episode: ✅ Scharpf et al. — Used CT imaging to evaluate radioulnar congruity in dogs with medial coronoid disease (MCD). Although the medial compartment often appeared anatomically congruent, the authors identified significant lateral and central radioulnar incongruity, suggesting that many cases of MCD may actually represent a joint-wide biomechanical disorder rather than an isolated medial lesion. These findings help explain why some dogs continue to experience lameness despite technically successful arthroscopic treatment focused solely on the medial compartment.  ✅ Vandekerckhove et al. — Quantified the force required during passive stress radiography to accurately assess canine hip laxity. Under standardized sedation, 90% of hips reached maximal diagnostic laxity at approximately 80.5 Newtons (about 8.2 kg of force). The study provides an objective benchmark that may improve consistency between clinicians while reducing false-negative screening examinations caused by inadequate applied force.  ✅ Vannini et al. — Investigated gastrocnemius tendon origin (TGMO) injuries in actively competing Border Collies. Despite owners reporting no lameness, more than half of the dogs demonstrated pain during palpation, while ultrasonography revealed tendon abnormalities in approximately 85% of cases. The study showed that direct palpation of the lateral fabella was the most clinically useful screening tool, emphasizing that many athletic dogs may develop significant tendinopathy long before overt lameness appears.  Together, these studies reinforce an essential orthopedic principle: successful diagnosis depends on recognizing pathology before it becomes clinically obvious. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Scharpf et al. — Assessment of the Conformation of the Radioulnar Joint Comparing Dogs with and without Medial Coronoid Disease * Vandekerckhove et al. — Quantifying the Stress in Stress Radiography to Determine Sufficient Laxity of the Coxofemoral Joint in Sedated Dogs * Vannini et al. — Prevalence of Tendinopathy of the Gastrocnemius Muscle Origin in a Cohort of Sound Border Collie 📚 From the May 2026 issue of VCOT 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample:  https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

VCOT May 2026 – Ortho Part 1: Synovial CRP, Lumbosacral Fusion & Smarter Rehabilitation

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we begin our orthopedic coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by exploring three studies focused on making better clinical decisions through objective measurement.  From synovial biomarkers for joint disease, to surgical stabilization of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis, and evidence-based rehabilitation exercises, these papers demonstrate how data—not assumptions—can improve diagnosis, surgery, and postoperative recovery. In this episode: ✅ Beer et al. — Evaluated synovial fluid C-reactive protein (CRP) as a diagnostic biomarker for canine joint disease. Dogs with osteoarthritis demonstrated very low synovial CRP concentrations (median 1.2 mg/L), while dogs with immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) and bacterial infective arthritis showed markedly elevated values of approximately 60–65 mg/L. Although CRP reliably distinguished non-inflammatory osteoarthritis from inflammatory joint disease, it could not differentiate septic arthritis from immune-mediated disease, reinforcing the continued importance of synovial cytology, culture, and clinical judgment when evaluating painful joints.  ✅ Van der Brink et al. — Compared standalone intervertebral cages with cages combined with pedicle screw and rod fixation (PSRF) for canine degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Both techniques achieved similar long-term clinical outcomes, with approximately 64–65% of dogs returning to full function. However, adding PSRF reduced cage subsidence from 75% to 33%, improved radiographic fusion, and decreased temporary neurologic complications by providing greater construct stability during bone healing.  ✅ Ramos et al. — Used inertial motion sensors (IMUs) and surface electromyography (sEMG) to objectively measure muscle activation during rehabilitation exercises on progressively unstable platforms. While unstable "peanut" exercises increased thoracolumbar instability by 42–60%, they unexpectedly reduced activation of the epaxial muscles and biceps femoris, while dramatically increasing rectus abdominis recruitment. The findings suggest rehabilitation equipment should be selected based on which muscles require strengthening, rather than assuming greater instability universally improves core activation.  Together, these studies reinforce an important clinical principle: better orthopedic outcomes come from measuring the right variables—and understanding what those measurements truly mean. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Beer et al. — Synovial Fluid C-Reactive Protein as a Biomarker in Osteoarthritis, Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis and Bacterial Infective Arthritis  * Van der Brink et al. — Comparison of Stand-Alone Cage versus Intervertebral Cage with Pedicle Screw and Rod Fixation in Dogs with Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis * Ramos et al. — The Effect of Progressively Unstable Equipment Used in Canine Fitness and Rehabilitation on Standing Postural Control and Muscle Activity 📚 From the May 2026 issue of VCOT 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample:  https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

VCOT March 2026 – Ortho Part 3: Feline Maxillofacial Trauma & Lateral Total Ankle Replacement

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we conclude our orthopedic coverage from the March 2026 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by exploring two studies that emphasize an essential surgical principle: successful orthopedic reconstruction depends on understanding anatomy—not simply repairing bones.  From complex craniomaxillofacial trauma in cats to an alternative surgical approach for canine total ankle replacement, these papers demonstrate how thoughtful preoperative planning and detailed anatomical knowledge can dramatically improve patient outcomes. In this episode: ✅ Weichert et al. — A retrospective CT study of 48 cats with craniomaxillofacial trauma following high-rise syndrome or motor vehicle accidents. Although mandibular fractures occurred in 40 cats, the authors found that 75% of patients (36/48) had injuries involving multiple functional systems. Notably, all cases of nasal airway obstruction were associated with oral cavity injuries, while 25 cats sustained fractures of the pterygoid hamular process, creating occult airway compromise despite minimal external soft tissue damage. The findings highlight the importance of CT-based evaluation and comprehensive surgical planning that addresses airway, mastication, vision, and temporomandibular joint function simultaneously.  ✅ Zingel et al. — A cadaveric study evaluating a lateral surgical approach for canine total ankle replacement (CTAR) when the standard medial approach is not feasible. Both approaches achieved excellent implant positioning, with 96% of bone-implant interfaces measuring less than 1 mm. Although the lateral approach increased angular laxity (15.5° vs. 9.5°) and required fibular osteotomy with meticulous protection of the lateral collateral ligament, overall joint stability remained acceptable. The authors conclude that the lateral approach represents a valuable alternative for revision cases or patients with severe medial scarring, while emphasizing the importance of precise center-of-rotation post placement and soft tissue preservation.  Together, these studies reinforce a central lesson in orthopedic surgery: the best reconstruction begins with understanding anatomy in three dimensions before making the first incision. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Weichert et al. — Assessment of Fracture Distribution and Involvement of Functional Systems Following Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in 48 Cats * Zingel et al. — Implantation of a Canine Total Ankle Replacement Prosthesis Using a Lateral Surgical Approach is Accurate and Leads to a Stable Joint  📚 From the March 2026 issue of VCOT 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample:  https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

VCOT March 2026 – Ortho Part 2: THR Cup Impactors & Patient-Specific Feline Spinal Guides

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we conclude our orthopedic coverage from the March 2026 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by examining how better surgical instrumentation can improve precision, consistency, and patient safety.  One study evaluates an ergonomically redesigned cup impactor for canine total hip replacement, while the second demonstrates how patient-specific 3D-printed drill guides may transform feline spinal stabilization. In this episode: ✅ Mancusi et al. — A cadaveric study comparing a prototype ergonomic acetabular cup impactor with a conventional impactor during Zurich cementless total hip replacement. Among novice surgeons, the prototype significantly improved the angle of lateral opening (ALO), reducing the mean placement from 48.9° with the standard impactor to 43.2°, much closer to the ideal 45° target. However, the improved instrument did not improve cup retroversion, reinforcing that while better tools can reduce mechanical errors, accurate interpretation of anatomic landmarks remains essential for successful THA.  ✅ Rigo et al. — Evaluated patient-specific 3D-printed drill guides for thoracolumbar pedicle screw placement in cats. Across 126 pilot holes, the guides achieved an overall 91.2% safe placement rate, including 100% accuracy within the thoracic spine. Importantly, all breaches occurred laterally, with zero medial breaches or spinal canal violations, demonstrating that patient-specific guides can substantially improve safety while allowing a less invasive dorsal surgical approach. The study also reports the first successful clinical application of this technique in a feline patient, highlighting its potential for future spinal stabilization procedures.  Together, these studies demonstrate that the future of orthopedic surgery isn't simply better implants—it's smarter instrumentation that helps surgeons consistently perform at a higher level. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Mancusi et al. — Comparison between Two Zurich Cementless Total Hip Replacement Cup Impactor Types in the Accuracy of Cup Positioning: An In Vitro Study * Rigo et al. — Feasibility and Accuracy of Pedicle Screws in the Feline Thoracolumbar Spine 📚 From the March 2026 issue of VCOT 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample:  https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]

VCOT March 2026 – Ortho Part 1: Feline Bandages, 3D-Printed Locking Plates & THA Cup Positioning

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we begin our orthopedic coverage from the March 2026 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by examining how small technical decisions can profoundly influence orthopedic outcomes—from postoperative care to implant manufacturing and intraoperative accuracy.  This episode explores whether routine postoperative bandaging is truly beneficial in cats, how 3D-printed locking plates may reshape the future of patient-specific implants, and a novel device designed to improve acetabular cup positioning during canine total hip replacement. In this episode: ✅ Clayton et al. — A multicenter retrospective study of 152 cats undergoing clean orthopedic procedures evaluated complications associated with postoperative external coaptation. Overall, 68.4% of cats developed bandage-associated complications, and those receiving rigid splints were 3.4 times more likely to experience severe complications than cats managed with soft padded bandages alone. Cases included pressure necrosis, implant exposure, osteomyelitis, and even digit amputation. The findings suggest that when rigid internal fixation provides adequate stability, routine postoperative splinting may introduce unnecessary risk rather than additional protection.  ✅ Kang et al. — Investigated whether locking screw threads can be manufactured directly into 3D-printed titanium plates, eliminating the need for expensive post-machining. When printed in a 0° horizontal orientation, directly printed locking threads achieved push-out strength equivalent to commercially machined plates. However, vertically printed implants demonstrated significant thread defects, and insertion torque proved critical—100% of printed threads failed when tightened to 2.0 Nm, while 1.1 Nm provided reliable fixation. The study highlights how implant manufacturing parameters and surgical technique must evolve together as patient-specific implants become more common.  ✅ Karlin et al. — Evaluated the Cup Position Assessment Device (CPAD), a 3D-printed intraoperative guide designed to objectively measure acetabular cup orientation during canine total hip arthroplasty. Using embedded radiopaque crossbars and intraoperative radiographs, the device measured the angle of lateral opening (ALO) with remarkable accuracy—within approximately 1.1° of the true angle. Although version measurements remain limited by implant overlap on radiographs, the CPAD represents an important step toward objective intraoperative implant positioning and reducing postoperative luxation risk.  Together, these studies reinforce an important orthopedic principle: better outcomes often come from improving the small details that surround surgery—not just the operation itself. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Clayton et al. — Incidence of Bandage-Associated Complications in Cats following Clean Orthopaedic Procedures: A Retrospective Study of 152 Cases * Kang et al. — Feasibility of Integrating Locking Plate System into Additively Manufactured Implants: A Mechanical Comparison of Three-Dimensional-Printed and Machined Locking Hole Threads * Karlin et al. — In Vitro Evaluation of a Device to Assess Acetabular Cup Position by Sagittal Plane Radiography 📚 From the March 2026 issue of VCOT 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com [http://www.simini.com] Request a Sample:  https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit [https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit]