Innovation for Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Entrepreneurship and innovation are cornerstones of the economy and move healthcare forward. Most physicians have little experience or knowledge in developing and commercializing novel concepts and ideas. It is important to focus on structured thinking concepts, fundraising, intellectual property, FDA regulations, and initial incorporation and teambuilding strategies.

The use of vacuum-assisted closure in the management of septic peritonitis in six dogs.

The purpose of this study was to describe the appropriate surgical technique, postoperative monitoring, and complications encountered with use of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in six dogs with confirmed septic peritonitis. Initial diagnosis of septic peritonitis was performed by measuring either the blood-to-fluid lactate ratio and glucose concentration differences or cytologic verification of intracellular bacteria. After appropriate surgical procedures were performed to manage the primary cause of peritoneal sepsis, a VAC was performed.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the urinary bladder in a cat.

A 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with a 5-month history of urinary incontinence and inappro-priate elimination. Ultrasonography revealed a well-marginated, vascular mass of mixed echogenicity ex-tending from the dorsal wall of the urinary bladder into the lumen. Partial cystectomy was performed for re-moval of the urinary bladder mass; histopathological evaluation revealed a spindle cell neoplasm with a prominent palisading pattern.

Craniomandibular osteopathy with a unique neurological manifestation in a young Akita.

This report describes a 4 mo old intact male Akita that presented for evaluation of a life-long history of facial swelling and failure to thrive. Physical examination revealed an enlarged cranium with prominent bony swellings on the maxillary bone, excessive laxity and crepitus involving multiple joints, and proprioceptive deficits. Radiographs demonstrated multiple osseous abnormalities including endosteal thickening of the femurs and ilium.

Relationship of tibial plateau slope to limb function in dogs treated with a lateral suture technique for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifles.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a lateral suture technique (LST) on tibial plateau angle (TPA) measurement and to compare TPA with functional outcome in dogs treated for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture with LST.

Study Design: Prospective clinical study.

Sample Population: Dogs (n=34) with unilateral CrCL instability.

Evaluation of nonsurgical treatment of atlantoaxial subluxation in dogs: 19 cases (1992-2001).

Objective: To evaluate long-term neurologic outcome in dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) that were treated nonsurgically with a cervical splint.

Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: 19 dogs with AAS and managed with a cervical splint.

Outcome of ameroid constrictor occlusion of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in cats: 12 cases (1993-2000).

Objective: To determine postoperative (< or = 6 days), short-term (< or = 90 days), and long-term (> or = 6 months) outcomes of cats undergoing ameroid constrictor occlusion of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSS) and identify factors associated with outcome.

Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: 12 cats.

Forearm compartment pressures: an in vitro analysis of open and endoscopic assisted fasciotomy.

Pressure reduction for standard open fasciotomy and a novel endoscopic fascial release were compared in experimental conditions of elevated forearm compartment pressures by continuously monitoring intracompartmental pressures in 22 cadaver forearms. Both methods were effective in diminishing tissue pressures. Intracompartmental pressures were reduced to significantly lower levels following open versus endoscopic assisted fasciotomy (2.

Assessment of radiolucent lines about the glenoid. An in vitro radiographic study.

Unlabelled: A study was undertaken to investigate the precision of plain radiographs in the assessment of the width of radiolucent lines and to define parameters for more accurate measurement. A metal-backed glenoid component was inserted into fourteen cadaveric scapulae; the component had a radiolucent spacer at the central post to provide a gap with a known width at the component-bone interface. The specimens were mounted in a custom-designed jig, and initial radiographs were made with the glenoid in neutral version; sequential radiographs then were made, at 5-degree intervals, with the glenoid in 0 to 40 degrees of anteversion and retroversion.

An investigation of the potential for laser nerve welding.

Suture repair of a severed peripheral nerve is cumbersome, presents a focus for infection and neuroma formation, and does not always produce adequate stump alignment. An alternative form of repair is laser nerve welding, which is attractive because it does not introduce foreign material into the anastomotic site, it forms a circumferential seal, and it can be performed in difficult-to-reach areas. Laser repair has not been widely accepted both because the effect of laser irradiation on intact nerves is not well documented, and the anastomotic strength of the weld has been inferior to suture repair.