Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Ortho Part 2: SDFT Luxation Without Casts & Smarter THR Templating

Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Ortho Part 2: SDFT Luxation Without Casts & Smarter THR Templating

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by examining two studies that reinforce an important surgical lesson: small technical details often determine long-term success. One study challenges the traditional reliance on postoperative immobilization following superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) luxation repair, while the other evaluates how radiographic positioning influences preoperative templating for canine total hip arthroplasty. In this episode: ✅ Viskjer et al. — A prospective study evaluating a modified block recession calcaneoplasty for treatment of canine SDFT luxation without routine postoperative tarsal immobilization. All dogs achieved full return to function, with objective gait analysis showing near-normal limb symmetry at long-term follow-up. The study demonstrated that carefully executed sulcus deepening can provide sufficient biomechanical stability without casts or splints, provided adequate calcaneal wall thickness is preserved. The key technical takeaway: maintain approximately 25% of calcaneal width on both the medial and lateral walls to avoid catastrophic fracture and recurrent luxation.  ✅ Zab et al. — A retrospective radiographic study comparing traditional extended hip radiographs with caudocranial flexed hip projections for canine THR templating. The authors found that extended views frequently created a false appearance of a stovepipe femoral canal, underestimating implant size in 88% of cases. Flexed views provided a more realistic representation of femoral canal morphology but tended to slightly overestimate final implant size due to magnification effects. The findings suggest that flexed hip projections may serve as a valuable alternative in dogs with severe osteoarthritis where standard positioning is difficult or impossible.  Together, these studies demonstrate that successful orthopedic outcomes often depend less on adding complexity and more on understanding the underlying biomechanics and anatomy. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Viskjer et al. — Surgical management of luxation of the superficial digital flexor muscle tendon (SDFT) using a modified block recession calcaneoplasty without subsequent tarsal joint immobilization * Zab et al. — Comparison of canine femoral implant templating for total hip arthroplasty on 25 sets of craniocaudal extended and caudocranial flexed hip radiographs  📚 From the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 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]

Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Ortho Part 1: Feline Achilles Repair, Internal Bracing & THR Stem Subsidence

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by exploring a common challenge across orthopedic reconstruction: how to restore stability while minimizing the complications associated with immobilization and implant-related concerns. From Achilles tendon reconstruction and multi-ligament stifle injuries in cats to postoperative stem migration after total hip replacement, these studies challenge long-held assumptions about how much external support—and how much radiographic concern—is truly necessary. In this episode: ✅ Bohin et al. — A multi-center retrospective study evaluating Achilles tendon repair in cats using a UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) synthetic implant. By using a load-sharing internal construct rather than rigid postoperative immobilization, surgeons achieved normal functional recovery in 11 of 12 limbs with long-term follow-up. The overall short-term complication rate was 15.4%, substantially lower than historical complication rates approaching 40% with traditional casts and transarticular fixation. The study highlights the importance of interference screw placement and infection prevention when using permanent braided implants.  ✅ Knell et al. — A retrospective case series describing coaptationless reconstruction of feline multi-ligament stifle injuries using knotless anchors, TightRope stabilization, and UHMWPE suture constructs. The technique achieved a remarkable 22 of 23 successful outcomes, with postoperative pain scores approaching normal by six months. The key lesson was that every deficient ligament must be reconstructed, particularly the caudal cruciate ligament, which proved essential for maintaining long-term stability without external coaptation.  ✅ Low et al. — A retrospective review of 177 canine total hip replacements using the BFX standard femoral stem. While 26 stems subsided more than 3 mm and seven subsided more than 5 mm, only a small fraction developed clinical complications. Instead, the strongest predictor of failure was the presence of an intraoperative femoral fissure, suggesting surgeons may be overemphasizing arbitrary radiographic subsidence thresholds while underappreciating the significance of intraoperative bone injury.  Together, these studies reinforce a central orthopedic principle: successful reconstruction often depends more on achieving stable internal mechanics than on relying on external protection or rigid radiographic rules. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Bohin et al. — Outcomes of 11 cats with Achilles tendon (AT) rupture repair treated with a synthetic ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) * Knell et al. — A multiligament, internal brace, coaptationless stifle reconstruction technique for feline stifle luxation * Low et al. — Subsidence of the BFX standard stem after canine total hip replacement: A case series of 177 consecutive procedures 📚 From the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 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]

Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Soft Tissue: Feline Cystolithotomy & AGASACA Margin Control

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by examining two studies that challenge surgeons to balance technical precision, patient recovery, and long-term outcomes.  One study evaluates whether a minimally invasive approach to feline urolith removal truly improves surgical success, while the other explores how microscopic surgical decisions can dramatically alter recurrence risk in dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma. In this episode: ✅ Boone et al. — A retrospective study comparing modified percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL-M) with traditional open cystotomy in cats undergoing urolith removal. Despite superior visualization, PCCL-M did not improve complete stone clearance, with residual urolith rates similar to open surgery (33.3% vs. 30%). However, PCCL-M resulted in smaller incisions, shorter hospitalization times, and fewer immediate postoperative lower urinary tract signs, suggesting the primary benefit is improved recovery rather than improved stone retrieval. The study reinforces the importance of postoperative imaging regardless of surgical approach.  ✅ Gordon et al. — A retrospective study evaluating the prognostic value of the R margin classification system in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA). Dogs with R1 margins experienced a 23-fold increase in local recurrence risk, with recurrence rates rising from 4% (R0) to 50% (R1). Importantly, achieving wider margins that occasionally included portions of the external anal sphincter did not result in a dramatic increase in major complications, supporting a more aggressive surgical approach when appropriate. The study also identified hypercalcemia and lymphovascular invasion as major predictors of poor outcome and metastasis.  Together, these studies emphasize that surgical success extends far beyond the procedure itself—requiring careful planning, objective postoperative assessment, and thoughtful long-term decision-making. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Boone et al. — Outcomes and comparison of modified percutaneous cystolithotomy and traditional open cystotomy in 52 cats * Gordon et al. — Investigation of the “R” tumor margin classification and prognostic factors in apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma of dogs 📚 From the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 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]

Veterinary Surgery April 2026 – Soft Tissue: HAVM Occlusion, Laparoscopic Warmups & PPDH Repair

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by focusing on how minimally invasive surgery continues to evolve through better technique, better preparation, and smarter intraoperative decision-making.  From hepatic vascular malformations to laparoscopic performance warmups and thoracoabdominal hernia repair, these studies show how modern surgery increasingly depends on understanding both the patient’s physiology and the surgeon’s performance under pressure. In this episode: ✅ Weiss et al. — A 20-year retrospective study evaluating treatment strategies for hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVMs) in dogs. Medical management alone resulted in zero long-term survivors, while surgery dramatically improved outcomes. Among surgical approaches, dominant outflow vein occlusion (DOV) achieved a 95% acute occlusion rate and only 15% recurrence, significantly outperforming transarterial embolization (TAE), which showed a 53% recurrence rate due to collateral vessel recruitment. The study emphasizes the importance of venous outflow control using nonabsorbable suture ligation over mechanical occlusion devices.  ✅ Foreman et al. — A prospective study investigating whether a simple 30-minute preoperative laparoscopic warmup improves surgical performance in veterinary students performing live dog ovariectomies. Students who completed simulator exercises and laparoscopic video gaming reduced operative time by 20 minutes (63 vs. 84 minutes) and achieved significantly higher performance scores. The findings highlight the role of psychomotor priming and structured warmups in minimally invasive surgery training.  ✅ Massari et al. — The largest reported case series evaluating laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernias (PPDH) in dogs and cats. Using ultra-low insufflation pressures (3–4 mmHg) and active pericardial venting, the authors achieved successful minimally invasive repair in 92% of cases. One patient required emergency conversion due to tension pneumopericardium and cardiovascular collapse, reinforcing the importance of careful hemodynamic management during thoracoabdominal laparoscopy.  Together, these studies demonstrate that successful minimally invasive surgery depends just as much on preparation and physiology as it does on instrumentation. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Weiss et al. — Procedural descriptions and survival times for hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVM) in animals receiving primarily conservative treatment, arterial embolization, or dominant outflow vein occlusion * Foreman et al. — Effects of preoperative warm-ups on veterinary medical students' performance with live dog laparoscopic ovariectomy * Massari et al. — Laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial hernias: Multicentric retrospective case series of 12 dogs and one cat 📚 From the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2026/55/3] 🎁 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]

Veterinary Surgery April 2026 – Ortho: Double Plating Mechanics & Surgical Skills Training

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by focusing on two themes that shape every surgeon’s career: building stronger repairs and building stronger surgeons.  From double plate fixation in complex scapular fractures to structured cadaver-based resident training, these papers explore how biomechanics and deliberate practice influence both surgical outcomes and long-term competency. In this episode: ✅ Barrett et al. — An ex vivo biomechanical study evaluating single versus double plating constructs for comminuted canine scapular fractures. Adding a second plate along the caudolateral border nearly halved fracture displacement during cyclic loading (0.81 mm → 0.48 mm) and increased construct stiffness from 392.8 to 563.7 N/mm without increasing strain on the primary implant. The findings suggest that load-sharing double plating may support immediate postoperative weight bearing while potentially reducing reliance on restrictive external coaptation.  ✅ Leu et al. — A prospective pilot study evaluating a three-month cadaveric orthopedic skills curriculum for small animal surgery residents and interns. Using OSATS global rating scores, the study demonstrated significant improvement in technical performance, with median expert scores increasing from 17/35 to 23/35 after training. Interestingly, trainee self-assessment showed poor agreement with expert evaluation, highlighting the importance of objective feedback and structured mentorship during surgical development.  Together, these studies reinforce an important principle in orthopedic surgery: better outcomes depend not only on stronger implants, but also on stronger surgical preparation and training systems. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed * Barrett et al. — Double plate fixation improves stiffness in a comminuted canine scapula fracture gap model compared to single plate fixation * Leu et al. — Structured assessment of a cadaveric orthopedic surgical training program of small animal surgeons in training: A prospective observational pilot study 📚 From the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1532950x/2026/55/3] 🎁 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]