Comparison of Semicylindrical Recession Trochleoplasty and Trochlear Block Recession for the Treatment of Canine Medial Patellar Luxation: A Pilot Study

Introduction: While performing TBR, achieving press-fit of the osteochondral block and avoiding block fracture makes the procedure tedious, so many surgeons opt to use simpler techniques despite the advantages of TBR. A trochleoplasty technique which achieves the advantages of TBR with fewer technical challenges would be of widespread clinical benefit. The objective of this noninferiority study is to describe an alternative technique for trochleoplasty, semicylindrical recession trochleoplasty (SCRT) and to compare the technique to TBR.

Materials and Methods: Ten dogs with bilateral grade II-III MPLs underwent bilateral simultaneous correction surgery including TTT, lateral imbrication, and trochleoplasty with one stifle each undergoing TBR and SCRT. Subjects received pre-and postoperative stifle CTs and pre- and 8-week postoperative pressure platform analysis and physical exams. Recessed trochlear depth, patellar depth, trochlear surface area, patellar articular contact, procedure time, complications, and functional outcomes as measured by gait analysis were compared between the two techniques.

Results: There were no significant differences in any of the studied variables between the two techniques.

Discussion/Conclusion: From these findings, we failed to reject the null hypothesis there would be no difference between techniques. Subjectively, the SCRT is simple and precise even in very small dogs while still offering versatility in adjusting the depth of the trochleoplasty. Key limitations of the study include a small sample size and short-term follow-up. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the use of SCRT for the treatment of MPL.

Acknowledgment: This study was funded by the University of Minnesota Companion Animal Grant.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).