Canine ex vivo tarsal arthrodesis: fixation by using a new bone tissue glue

Tobias Per Otto Lundin; Michael Pujari-Palmer; Gustaf Svensson; Odd Viking Höglund

doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1250147

Canine ex vivo tarsal arthrodesis: fixation by using a new bone tissue glue

Front Vet Sci. 2023 Sep 20:10:1250147. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1250147. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Tobias Per Otto Lundin¹, Michael Pujari-Palmer², Gustaf Svensson¹, Odd Viking Höglund²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Blå Stjärnans Djursjukhus, Gothenburg, Sweden.
² Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

Abstract

Introduction: Arthrodesis, performed as a salvage surgical procedure to treat intractable joint conditions in dogs and cats, is associated with a high incidence of complications intra and postoperative, proving the need for improved and new techniques in arthrodesis surgery. Adding a new resorbable bone glue to the arthrodesis could potentially add fixation strength and lower complications. The objectives of this experimental ex vivo biomechanical study were therefore to develop a biomechanical test model of partial tarsal arthrodesis and to determine whether the new resorbable bone glue (phosphoserine modified cement) produced measurable fixation strength in canine calcaneoquartal arthrodesis, without orthopedic implants.

Methods: Four biomechanical test models with a total of 35 canine tarsal joints were used. Soft tissues were dissected to 4 different test models with variable contributions from soft tissues. The calcaneoquartal joint was prepared as in vivo arthrodesis and the glue was applied to joint surfaces as a liquid/putty (0.4 cc). After curing for 24 h, a shear force was applied to the joint (1 mm per minute) and the failure strength was recorded.

Results: Calcaneoquartal joints, where all soft tissues had been completely resected and fixated with glue (1-1.5 cm² joint surface), withstood 2-5 mm of displacement and an average of 100 ± 58 N/cm² of shear force (Model 1). Similar adhesive fixation strengths were obtained in Model 2 and 3 with increasing contributions from soft tissues (80 ± 44 and 63 ± 23 N/cm², p = 0.39, ANOVA).

Conclusion: The developed biomechanical model was sensitive enough to measure differences in fixation strengths between different glue formulations. The average fixation strength (60-100 N/cm²) should be strong enough to support short-term load bearing in medium sized canines (20 kg). The developed cadaver biomechanical test model is of potential use for other arthrodesis studies. The new resorbable glue can potentially contribute to stability at arthrodesis surgery, acting as a complement to today's standard fixation, metal implants.

Keywords: adhesive; arthrodesis; biomechanical model; fixation; glue; resorbable; stability.

Grants and funding

The study was supported, in part, by the U-Share cross disciplinary grant (SLU 2020.2.5.1-1074). The funding agency did not take part in any experimental planning or analysis.