Surgery
CT Measurements for preoperative planning for dogs with MPL.
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We are currently enrolling patients in a clinical study evaluating CT measurements for pre-operative planning in dogs with medial patella luxation (MPL). In humans with patella instability, specific measurements from a pre-operative CT scan or MRI are used to determine the most appropriate procedure for that specific patient. The most common measurement is the Tibial Tubercle-Trochlea Groove (TT-TG) distance. If this distance is greater than 20 mm then a tibial tubercle transposition is typically recommended. In dogs, there are no defined measurements to assess the degree of tibial tuberosity displacement and thus no guidelines for the amount of transposition needed for realignment of the patella.
The goal of our study is to determine if these measurements can be performed reliably in dogs and if there is a difference in the measurements between dogs with and without MPL.
We are looking for healthy, small breed dogs (5-25lbs), older than 1 year of age with normal stifles or those with MPL. A complete orthopedic exam, standard hindlimb radiographs, and a CT scan of both hindlimbs will be performed. The CT scan is fast (10 min) so it can be performed either alone with sedation or combined with an anesthetic procedure. Owners will not be responsible for any fees associated with the procedures performed related to the study.
If you have any clients that are interested in participating in this study, please consider referral to Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital. Study details will be presented to the owner at the time of the initial consultation.
If you have any questions about the study or the referral process, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
John Bevan, DVM, DACVS
P: (512) 892-9038