VCOT March 2026 – Ortho Part 3: Feline Maxillofacial Trauma & Lateral Total Ankle Replacement

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we conclude our orthopedic coverage from the March 2026 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by exploring two studies that emphasize an essential surgical principle: successful orthopedic reconstruction depends on understanding anatomy—not simply repairing bones. From complex craniomaxillofacial trauma in cats to an alternative surgical approach for canine total ankle replacement, these papers demonstrate how thoughtful preoperative planning and detailed anatomical knowledge can dramatically improve patient outcomes.In this episode:✅ Weichert et al. — A retrospective CT study of 48 cats with craniomaxillofacial trauma following high-rise syndrome or motor vehicle accidents. Although mandibular fractures occurred in 40 cats, the authors found that 75% of patients (36/48) had injuries involving multiple functional systems. Notably, all cases of nasal airway obstruction were associated with oral cavity injuries, while 25 cats sustained fractures of the pterygoid hamular process, creating occult airway compromise despite minimal external soft tissue damage. The findings highlight the importance of CT-based evaluation and comprehensive surgical planning that addresses airway, mastication, vision, and temporomandibular joint function simultaneously. ✅ Zingel et al. — A cadaveric study evaluating a lateral surgical approach for canine total ankle replacement (CTAR) when the standard medial approach is not feasible. Both approaches achieved excellent implant positioning, with 96% of bone-implant interfaces measuring less than 1 mm. Although the lateral approach increased angular laxity (15.5° vs. 9.5°) and required fibular osteotomy with meticulous protection of the lateral collateral ligament, overall joint stability remained acceptable. The authors conclude that the lateral approach represents a valuable alternative for revision cases or patients with severe medial scarring, while emphasizing the importance of precise center-of-rotation post placement and soft tissue preservation. Together, these studies reinforce a central lesson in orthopedic surgery: the best reconstruction begins with understanding anatomy in three dimensions before making the first incision.🎓 Journal Articles DiscussedWeichert et al. — Assessment of Fracture Distribution and Involvement of Functional Systems Following Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in 48 CatsZingel et al. — Implantation of a Canine Total Ankle Replacement Prosthesis Using a Lateral Surgical Approach is Accurate and Leads to a Stable Joint 📚 From the March 2026 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