VCOT July 2025 – Ortho Part 2: Tibial Torsion in MPL & The Future of Hip Resurfacing

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by examining how a deeper understanding of anatomy and biomechanics can fundamentally change surgical planning. One study introduces a novel method for evaluating tibial torsional deformity in dogs with medial patellar luxation, while the second explores a promising bone-preserving alternative to traditional total hip replacement.In this episode:✅ Isono et al. — Investigated tibial torsional malalignment in small-breed dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL) using advanced CT analysis. The authors introduced the Proximal Tibia Metatarsal Angle (PTMTA), a new measurement designed to quantify rotational deformity throughout the entire hind limb. Normal dogs demonstrated a PTMTA of approximately 7 degrees, while Grade IV MPL patients averaged 32.8 degrees, with some exceeding 40 degrees. The findings suggest that severe MPL may be driven by substantial tibial rotational deformity, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the entire limb when planning corrective osteotomies. ✅ Perez Neto et al. — Evaluated a novel short-stem hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) implant as a potential alternative to conventional total hip replacement. Using cadaveric femurs from large-breed dogs, the authors demonstrated that although the implant reduced maximum load capacity by approximately 22%, implanted femurs still withstood forces exceeding six times body weight before failure. Importantly, fractures occurred in the same location as intact femurs, suggesting that the implant preserved natural load transmission patterns while maintaining substantial mechanical strength. Together, these studies demonstrate that better orthopedic outcomes begin with understanding the underlying mechanics of the limb—and sometimes preserving anatomy may be just as important as replacing it.🎓 Journal Articles DiscussedIsono et al. — Tibial Torsion Malalignment in Small Dogs with Medial Patellar LuxationPerez Neto et al. — Biomechanical Evaluation of a Femoral Implant for Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty in Dogs: An Ex Vivo Study📚 From the July 2025 issue of VCOT🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample?Learn More: www.simini.comRequest a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit