Metacarpophalangeal Arthrodesis in a 12 Year Old Whippet
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A 12 year-old female spayed Whippet was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) Orthopedic Service in July for follow-up evaluation, radiographs, and surgical mihrodesis for a traumatic injury that occurred in January 2014. Several months of medical management, first with cage rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and later with an orthopedic brace, had failed. Radiographic examination confirmed subluxation of the 3rd and 4th digits at the metacarpophalangeal joint, suggesting laxity or rupture of the lateral collateral ligmuents. We took preoperative angle measurements of the contralateral limb in weight-beming position. ArtlnĀ·odesis of the joints was performed using surgical debridement, plates, screws and m1 autogenous cancellous bone graft. The patient recovered from surgery uneventfully and was sent home with antibiotics due to the location of the surgery on the distal limb. A week later, the patient returned for a routine bandage and we observed dehiscence of the distal one third of the incision. For the next four weeks the site was treated with serial bandage changes using Vacuum-Assisted Closure therapy. This case study will focus on general principles of atihrodesis, surgical site dehiscence and treatment.