Comparison of Guided versus Free-Hand Osteotomy for a Bioblique Dynamic Proximal Ulnar Osteotomy in Normal Cadaveric Canine Limbs

Introduction: Despite being a common treatment for canine elbow incongruence with recommended angles, standard guides for bioblique dynamic proximal ulnar osteotomies (BODPUO) have not been evaluated. Our primary objective was to determine if a standard osteotomy guide achieves planned angulation and whether osteotomy failure correlates with angulation. We hypothesized that guided osteotomies would align more closely with recommended angles and failed osteotomies would have more transverse orientation.

Materials and Methods: Forty cadaver forelimbs were dissected to the ulna using a standard caudo-lateral approach. The standard guide was created based on a normal canine antebrachium and recommended angles. A bioblique complete osteotomy was created with a sagittal saw with either a goniometer-guided free-hand or standard-guided approach. Weight-bearing force analysis and failure rate were collected on guided osteotomies from a prior study. Computed tomography scans were conducted for measurement analysis, and statistical comparisons were made using unpaired t-tests.

Results: Twenty free-hand and nineteen guided osteotomies were analysed. There was a difference in radial and ulnar length, but no difference in osteotomy start position. Guided osteotomies were steeper in both planes than free-handed osteotomies (p < 0.01). No significant difference was found in osteotomy angles between failed (7/19) and successful (12/19) cases.

Discussion/Conclusion: Our primary hypothesis was accepted; however guided osteotomies averaged >5 degrees less steep than recommended. The second hypothesis was rejected, as no significance was found between angulation and failure. The high failure rate suggests a need for modification of the guide for steeper cuts. Further studies are necessary to evaluate standard guides before clinical application.

Acknowledgment

Funding obtained from faculty discretionary funds.

 

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Juli 2025