RELATO DE CASO: ARTRODESE DE JOELHO EM CÃO

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.995112427097

• Palavras-chave: articulação femuro-tibio-patelar, osteossíntese, osteoartrose, ortopedia veterinária.

• Keywords: femoro-tibio-patellar joint, osteosynthesis, osteoarthrosis, veterinary orthopedics.

• Abstract: Knee arthrodesis aims to permanently stabilize the femorotibiopatellar joint and is rarely performed in dogs, being indicated mainly in cases of complex intra-articular fractures that are irreparable, severe osteoarthritis unresponsive to other treatments, and prosthesis failures. This technique can be a surgical alternative to save the affected limb, but it can compromise its function, since it permanently stabilizes the joint. In addition, postoperative complications can occur if the technique is not adequate, such as the recommended angulation of 125 to 150°. This report describes the case of a mongrel dog treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Franca (UNIFRAN), who suffered trauma to the left pelvic limb after being kicked by a horse. Physical examination revealed functional impotence, edema, and pain in the femorotibiopatellar joint, and X-rays showed severe multiligament injury. Given the impossibility of repair, arthrodesis using a locking plate and Steinmann pins was chosen. Fourteen days after surgery, there were no complications, and the patient began to intermittently support the limb. Within 30 days, support was satisfactory, without pain, and bone consolidation was subsequently achieved. Thus, it is concluded that arthrodesis can preserve the limb and allow efficient ambulation, without pain or significant impairment to the patient's quality of life.