Ex Vivo Evaluation of the Effect of Tibial Plateau Osteotomy on the Proximal Tibial Soft Tissue Envelope With and Without the Use of Protective Gauze Sponges

Farrell, M., Calvo, I., Clarke, S.P., Barron, R., Courcier, E. and Carmichael, S. (2009) Ex Vivo Evaluation of the Effect of Tibial Plateau Osteotomy on the Proximal Tibial Soft Tissue Envelope With and Without the Use of Protective Gauze Sponges. Veterinary Surgery, 38(5), pp. 636-644. (doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2009.00548.x)

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope with and without use of protective gauze sponges, and to determine whether the action of an oscillating saw blade on the gauze sponges would result in retention of particulate cotton debris. Study Design Cadaveric study. Animals Medium to large breed dog cadavers (n=10; 20 pelvic limbs). Methods TPLO was performed using the currently recommended technique involving dissection of the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope and its protection using cotton gauze sponges. In paired limbs, the procedure was repeated but no attempt was made to retract and protect the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope. Damage to the soft tissue envelope and presence of gross particulate cotton debris were investigated by direct observation and photographic analysis. Presence of microscopic cotton debris was investigated using light microscopic analysis of wound lavage fluid. Results No soft-tissue trauma was found in gauze sponge-protected specimens. When protective gauze sponges were not used, full-thickness (sagittal plane) lacerations to the caudoproximal tibial muscle group occurred in all specimens with a mean craniocaudal width of 9.5 mm (range 2-12 mm). The cranial tibial muscle was traumatized in only 1 specimen without protective gauze sponges. Trauma to the popliteal vessels was not identified in any specimen. No gross cotton debris was identified, but microscopic cotton fibers (diameter, 7-35 mu m) were identified in lavage fluid from all gauze sponge-protected specimens. Conclusions Use of protective gauze sponges is effective in protecting the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope from an oscillating TPLO saw blade, but results in retention of microscopic cotton particulate debris within the operative site. Significant soft tissue trauma is seen only in the caudoproximal tibial muscle group if protective gauze sponges are not used. Clinical Relevance Retraction and protection of the caudoproximal tibial soft tissue envelope is recommended during TPLO; however, to prevent retention of microscopic particulate cotton debris, alternatives to cotton gauze sponges should be considered as protective devices

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Carmichael, Professor Stuart and Barron, Mr Ronnie and Courcier, Ms Emily and Calvo, Mr Ignacio and Farrell, Mr Michael
Authors: Farrell, M., Calvo, I., Clarke, S.P., Barron, R., Courcier, E., and Carmichael, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Veterinary Surgery
ISSN:0161-3499

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