Arthrodesis
These are salvage procedures for joints affected by a severe ligament injury, hyperextension injury, articular fracture with small fragments that are not reparable and severe degenerative joint disease causing pain (eg. chronic severe arthritis).
The aim of the surgery is to fuse the joint in a standard angle in order to stop joint movement and pain.
The procedure involves an aggressive cartilage debridement and a stabilisation of the joint with a plate; sometimes temporary extra support with pins and bars may be required.
Before placing the plate, the joint gap will be filled up with a bone graft harvested from another bone (top of the humerus or top of the wing of the ilium are the most likely sites) or with a bone graft from a bone bank.
Most of the time the plates are not removed. However, in some conditions such as infections, plate loosening or skin irritation, a second surgery may be required to remove the plate.
After bone healing, the function of the leg is excellent in most cases.
Case studies
Shoulder Arthrodesis
Patient: Cat
Typology: Proximal Humerus limb deformity. The patient was not able to fully extend the leg.
Repairing Method: Shoulder Arthrodesis
The shoulder was locked secondary to bone deformity and it was mechanically impossible to use the limb for the patient.
%20copy_edited.jpg)
Preoperative radiograph reveals proximal Humeral limb deformity.
_edited.jpg)
A Shoulder arthrodesis was performed to allow an almost normal function of the limb.
The video shows the patient walking 6 weeks after the surgery. As aspected, some degree of lameness is still present. However, this will improve with time.