Abstract
Objective This article aimed to describe the use and evolution of a synthetic osteochondral
resurfacing (SOR) implant in the treatment of osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) of the
femoral condyle and to report the clinical, radiographic, computed tomography and
magnetic resonance imaging outcomes of this technique.
Methods Medical records of dogs that were treated with first-generation (G1) and second-generation
(G2) SOR at a single institute were reviewed. Surgical reports and clinical examinations
as well as the preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs, computed tomographic
images and magnetic resonance imaging images were reviewed.
Results Fourteen stifles (nine dogs) were included in the study. G1-SOR implants were employed
in six stifles of four dogs and G2-SOR implants in eight stifles of five dogs. Osteochondrosis
dissecans of the medial femoral condyle was confirmed as the sole pathology in all
dogs treated with G1-SOR. Only one of eight OCD lesions was located on the medial
condyle in the G2-SOR group with the remaining seven lesions affecting the lateral
femoral condyle. At 12 weeks, 13 of 14 stifles displayed implant stability, with no
subchondral bone changes or evidence of lucency around any implant. Eight of nine
dogs achieved a good-excellent clinical outcome. Complications included one minor
surgical site infection and one infective arthritis which required implant removal.
Clinical Significance In this cohort of dogs, both G1-SOR and G2-SOR were successful and repeatable surgical
procedures for dogs with OCD of the femoral condyle.
Keywords
osteochondral defects - osteochondrosis dissecans - stifle - osteochondral resurfacing
