Treatment of severe femoropatellar osteoarthritis in dogs with trochlear prosthesis

Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic disease in dogs, characterized by the displacement of the patella from its normal anatomical position within the stifle joint, shifting either medially or laterally. While this condition is more prevalent in small breeds, it can occur in dogs of any age and breed. Patellar luxation can lead to significant joint pain and functional impairment over time, adversely affecting the dog's quality of life. Femoropatellar osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease often associated with patellar luxation, causing further joint deterioration and typically necessitating surgical intervention. This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of Patellar Groove Replacement (PGR) in the treatment of 20 dogs diagnosed with advanced femoropatellar osteoarthritis and patellar luxation. The study aims to analyze the therapeutic outcomes of the PGR technique by comparing clinical results with radiographic findings. The study sample comprised dogs confirmed to have severe femoropatellar osteoarthritis through radiographic examination. In all cases, a trochlear prosthesis was applied via a lateral incision to stabilize the patella in its anatomically correct position. The type and size of the prosthesis were determined based on the individual anatomical requirements of each dog. Post-operative evaluations of clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes were conducted at 10, 30, 60, and 90 days, with radiographic monitoring used to assess the healing process. To minimize the risk of post-operative infection, broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered, along with anti-inflammatory treatment. The most common complications observed included minimal displacement of the prosthesis and recurrent patellar luxation. Despite these complications, the majority of cases resulted in successful clinical outcomes, though some required additional surgical interventions due to complications. In conclusion, the PGR technique was found to be an effective surgical treatment option for dogs with severe femoropatellar osteoarthritis. The study highlights that appropriate surgical technique and implant selection are crucial in minimizing complications. This research underscores the importance of implementing the PGR method and thorough post-operative monitoring in veterinary practice, contributing valuable insights to the literature on femoropatellar osteoarthritis management.