VCOT November 2025 – Ortho: Cementless THR, 3D-Printed SI Guides & Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Outcomes

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we conclude our orthopedic coverage from the November 2025 issue of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology (VCOT) by exploring three studies that examine how precision, technology, and long-term adaptation influence orthopedic success.From a novel approach to cementless total hip replacement, to patient-specific drill guides for feline sacroiliac luxation repair, and the surprising long-term outcomes of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures, these studies challenge conventional assumptions about fixation, healing, and postoperative function.In this episode:✅ Arias et al. — Evaluated an undersized cementless femoral stem coated with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) as an alternative to traditional cemented total hip replacement. While dogs with undersized stems experienced slower early recovery and mild transient lameness, functional gait analysis demonstrated equivalent outcomes by four months postoperatively. The BCP coating promoted biological fixation through osteoconduction and osteoinduction, potentially reducing the risk of intraoperative femoral fissures associated with aggressive press-fit stem placement. ✅ Scortea et al. — Compared 3D-printed drill guide technology with fluoroscopy-guided minimally invasive osteosynthesis (MIO) for feline sacroiliac luxation repair. Patient-specific guides achieved 92.9% adequate sacral bone purchase, compared with 64.3% for traditional MIO, while dramatically reducing cortical breaches and screw malposition. Although the guides required additional planning time and an open surgical approach, the study demonstrated substantial improvements in implant accuracy and safety. ✅ Zweig et al. — Investigated long-term outcomes following tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures (TTAF) after skeletal maturity. Surgical fixation resulted in dramatic radiographic changes, including a 15–19° reduction in tibial plateau angle and distal patellar displacement. Despite these alterations, every surgically treated dog achieved excellent functional outcomes with no lameness or instability. In contrast, one-third of conservatively managed dogs developed severe medial patellar luxation, reinforcing the importance of maintaining extensor mechanism alignment during healing. Together, these studies remind us that orthopedic success is not always defined by perfect anatomy—but by achieving durable function through thoughtful planning and biologic adaptation.🎓 Journal Articles DiscussedArias et al. — Kinetic and Kinematic Gait Analyses of Dogs with Undersized Cementless Stems (Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Coated) versus Cemented in Total Hip ReplacementScortea et al. — Comparative Analysis of 3D-Printed Drill Guides and Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis in Feline Sacroiliac Luxation: A Cadaveric StudyZweig et al. — Treatment Outcome and Radiographic Appearance of Healed Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures in Skeletally Mature Dogs: 21 Cases (2016–2023) 📚 From the November 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