Objective The aim of this study was to compare in vitro accuracy of femoral measurements obtained from different radiographical positions with actual femoral anatomical dimensions in dogs. Materials and Methods Craniocaudal projections of the femur in ventrodorsal position, standard craniocaudal radiographical (SR) and craniocaudal radiography with horizontal radiographical beam (HR), in addition to anatomical macroscopic measurements (A), were obtained from 45 femurs from 23 canine cadavers, for calculation of the canal flare index (CFI). The differences between the radiographical positions and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between the CFI-SR, CFI-HR and CFI-A were evaluated by the Bland–Altman method. Results The standard craniocaudal radiograph provided an approximate dimension of the proximal femoral morphology (mean difference: 0.121 ± 0.391) with a different CFI value (p = 0.0341) from CFI-A. The craniocaudal radiograph taken using a horizontal beam provided greater accuracy (mean difference: 0.087 ± 0.42) in our study. Clinical Significance The craniocaudal projection using a horizontal radiographical beam was more accurate than the standard craniocaudal projection for measurement of the true anatomical dimensions of the canine femur, minimizing the influence of the technique on the CFI values.

Purpose To evaluate clinical outcome following minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) associated with percutaneous transplantation of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) at the tibial fracture site in dogs. Methods Thirty-six dogs presenting with nonarticular complete tibial fracture were included in this study. All fractures were treated by the same MIPO technique. The animals were divided in group 1 (n = 20) received a percutaneous application of 3 × 10 6 AD-MSC at the fracture site and group 2 (n = 16) did not receive any adjuvant treatment. Postoperative radiographic examinations were made at 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Results Fifty-eight percent of the patients were classified as skeletally immature. The median weight of the animals was 18.8 kg. The mean radiographic union time differed statistically between the AD-MSC group (28.5 days) and the control group (70.3 days). Sixty percent of dogs in group 1 and 56.25% of the group 2 were considered immature. Conclusions The use of allogeneic AD-MSC cell therapy and MIPO is a safe, viable and effective technique for promoting bone healing in nonarticular tibial fractures in dogs.

Purpose To evaluate the biomechanical properties of a novel total hip replacement femoral stem. Methods Eight pairs of femurs from dog cadavers were used. The femurs were separated into different groups. A novel femoral stem with a convex proximal portion (Stem B) was biomechanically evaluated and compared to awell-known veterinary collared stem (Stem A). Femoral stems were inserted into the contralateral femurs from the same dog, forming 16 constructs. A flexo-compression load was applied on the axial axis of each sample. Maximum strength, deflection, stiffness, and energy absorption were analysed. Results Group B constructs showed significantly higher values (p ? 0.05) for the variables, except stiffness. The mean maximum strength was 1,347 ± 357 N for Group A and 1,805 ± 123 N for Group B (p ? 0.0069). The mean deflection was5.54 ± 2.63 mm for Group A and 10.03 ± 3.99 mm for Group B (p ? 0.0056). For the energy variable, the force was 6,203 ± 3,488 N/mm for Group A and 12,885 ± 5,056 N/mm for Group B (p ? 0.0054). Stem B had greater maximum strength, deflection, and energy. Conclusions The new stem was effective in neutralizing the impact of axial flexion-compression stresses during biomechanical tests in cadaveric models.

This study determined the canal flare index (CFI) of four dog breeds using two distinct femoral regions as a reference. Thirty-five radiographs of the hip joints of Golden Retrievers (GRG), German Shepherds (GSG), Labrador Retrievers (LRG), and Rottweilers (RG) of both sexes were used. Seventy experimental units were submitted to CFI calculation. Objective (CFIob) and subjective (CFIsub) values of the CFI of each experimental unit were determined according to the anatomical reference used for the calculation. A significant difference in the CFIob between the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd breeds (1.68 ± 0.16 and 1.49 ± 0.08), and in the CFIsub between Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler breeds (2.09 ± 0.31, 1.86 ± 0.11, and 1.84 ± 0.18) was reported. The subjective form of measurement showed higher values than the objective form (GRG: 2.09 ± 0.31; GSG: 1.86 ± 0.11; LRG: 2.07 ± 0.12; RG: 1.84 ± 0.18). The CFI values of each breed were similar, suggesting a certain racial pattern. A significant difference in the interobserver assessment for both CFIsub and CFIob, in all races was observed. The CFI analysis identified morphological patterns of the proximal femur in the different races. Results indicated the need for standardization of the anatomical references used to calculate the CFI because there were statistical differences among the measurements among the observers.