In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we launch our orthopedic coverage from the January 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery. From dynamic imaging of the LS spine to stability testing of back-to-back PLCs and the biomechanical root of HIF, this episode arms you with new insights on spine and elbow decision-making.

We cover:

✅ Baldo Clemot et al. — A dynamic MRI study of the canine lumbosacral spine. Flexion alone resolved central canal and foraminal occlusion in all cases—suggesting that in dogs treated with distraction-stabilization, dorsal laminectomy may offer no additional decompression unless needed for IVD spacers

✅ Becker et al. — A biomechanical analysis of consecutive partial lateral corpectomies (PLCs). Performing two adjacent PLCs (e.g., L2–L3 and L3–L4) increased flexion and lateral bending, but not to failure thresholds. Importantly, rotational stability was preserved, and only extreme torque testing revealed reduced safety margins—validating the feasibility of dual PLCs when surgically indicated

✅ Frapwell et al. — A CT morphometric study comparing dogs with and without humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF). The “wedge effect” was confirmed: steeper condylar angles create a narrowing that the anconeal process wedges into during loading, leading to intercondylar shearing and eventual screw fatigue failure. The data strongly support HIF as a stress-induced fatigue fracture, not just a developmental void

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Baldo Clemot et al. — Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine in neutral and flexed position for presurgical assessment of clinically affected dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis
• Becker et al. — Influence of two consecutive partial lateral corpectomies on passive motion of the canine lumbar spine
• Frapwell et al. — Analysis of humeral condylar morphology in dogs with and without humeral intracondylar fissure
  📚 From the January 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we wrap up the orthopedic coverage from the March 2025 issue of VCOT with two studies that dig deep into fracture recurrence risk and the limits of plate length compromises. These insights are must-knows for surgeons weighing implant removal decisions or choosing between shorter vs. longer constructs in MIPO.

We cover:

✅ Muroi et al. — A retrospective study of 181 radial-ulnar repairs in toy breed dogs, analyzing outcomes of plate retention vs. removal. The refracture rate quadrupled from 3.5% (retained) to 12.5% (removed), with every fracture occurring at the original site, confirming implant-induced osteoporosis (IIO). Use of pixel value ratio (PVR) and screw-to-bone diameter ratio (SBDR) > 0.4 were strong predictors of failure and highlight the importance of radiographic density—not just fracture line healing—when planning implant removal

✅ Trefny et al. — A biomechanical study testing plate length vs. construct stiffness using 3.5 mm LCPs across 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-hole variants in a tibial gap model. The results? Only the 12-hole plate reached a meaningful increase in construct stiffness and reduced strain on bone and implant. Shorter constructs (even 10-hole) failed to reduce fatigue risk, emphasizing that an 80% plate-to-bone ratio is the biomechanical threshold surgeons should aim for

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Muroi et al. — A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors Associated with Refracture after Repair of Radial–Ulnar Fractures in Small-Breed Dogs
• Trefny et al. — Effect of Plate Length on Construct Stiffness and Strain in a Synthetic Short-Fragment Fracture Gap Model Stabilized with a 3.5-mm Locking Compression Plate

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we wrap up orthopedic highlights from the March 2025 issue of VCOT, focusing on implant design, joint coverage, and surgical habits that don’t always hold up under pressure. From hips to plates, this episode delivers biomechanical insights you can apply immediately in the OR.

We cover:

✅ Huels et al. — A clinical follow-up of 30 canine total hip arthroplasties using a second-generation selective laser melted screw cup (SCSL). The implant showed a cup complication rate of just 3.3%, and no late aseptic loosening at a 17.5-month median follow-up. Most failures occurred on the femoral side, indicating the new porous trabecular cup design may finally solve long-term cup fixation

✅ Lomas et al. — A CT-based study showing that double pelvic osteotomy (DPO) improved mean dorsal lateral subluxation (DLS) scores from 36.1% to 71.4%—effectively shifting dysplastic hips from high-risk to low-risk OA territory. The biggest correction came with 30° plates, reinforcing the value of pre-op CT templating to optimize surgical planning

✅ Lu et al. — A mechanical study testing whether leaving bending tees in empty SOP nodes improves strength. While medial-lateral bending stiffness increased by a statistically significant 2.08 N/mm, the authors concluded the clinical benefit was negligible. Leaving tees in is a habit, not a proven technique, and doesn’t meaningfully increase construct stiffness

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Huels et al. —Complications and Long-Term Outcome in 30 Canine Total Hip Arthroplasties Using a Second-Generation Selective Laser Melted Screw Cup
• Lomas et al. — The Impact of Double Pelvic Osteotomy on Dorsolateral Subluxation in 24 Dogs
• Lu et al. — Comparison of Bending Stiffness between String of Pearls Plate-Bone Substitute Constructs with and without Bending Tees in a Fracture Gap Model

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we bring you two impactful studies from the January 2025 issue of VCOT, spanning both orthopedic decision-making and emergency soft tissue triage. One study helps you decide how many screws are really worth it in a femoral neck fracture. The other gives you a scoring system that could redefine how we manage high-rise syndrome in cats.

We cover:

✅ Calderon et al. — A biomechanical cadaver study comparing two vs. three titanium cannulated screw constructs for basal femoral neck fractures in dogs. Three screws delivered a 51.7% strength increase, significantly improving fixation yield (586 N vs. 303 N), while stiffness stayed relatively unchanged. But added strength came with increased technical demand and higher cortical perforation risk—especially in dogs with narrow femoral necks

Small Animal VCOT 2025 January ….

✅ Ínal et al. — A retrospective study of 373 cats with high-rise syndrome (HRS) evaluating survival predictors. Fall height, surface type, and visible injuries were not predictive. Only the Animal Trauma Triage Score (ATTS) strongly predicted mortality. Cats with an ATTS ≥7 had a 61.9% mortality rate, and most deaths were due to thoracic or vertebral injury, not fractures. This shifts focus to early ATTS scoring and aggressive spine/chest imaging regardless of the fall story

Small Animal VCOT 2025 January ….

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Calderon et al. — In Vitro Biomechanical Study of Femoral Neck Fracture Fixation with Two or Three Cannulated Screws in Dogs 
• Ínal et al. — Survival Rate of High-Rise Syndrome Cases Using Animal Trauma Triage Score in Cats
  📚 From the January 2025 issue of VCOT

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we break down two orthopedic studies from the January 2025 issue of VCOT that spotlight the power of precision—whether you’re planning feline MPL surgery or evaluating TPLO healing in boxers.

We cover:

✅ Santos et al. — A CT-based morphometric study comparing 18 limbs with medial patellar luxation (MPL) in cats versus normal controls. Surprisingly, only minor differences in trochlear depth (<1 mm) and tibial torsion angle (<5°) were found, with no significant tibial tuberosity displacement. The study strongly suggests major osteotomies are rarely indicated in feline MPL, and supports a surgical approach focused on soft tissue realignment over bone cutting

✅ Huerta et al. — A prospective analysis comparing boxers vs. Labradors at 8 weeks post-TPLO. Boxers had significantly lower radiographic healing scores, likely due to underlying synovitis and increased joint inflammation. Importantly, a 1 mm osteotomy gap was also linked to delayed healing in both breeds, reinforcing the need for meticulous craniocaudal compression during fixation

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Santos et al. — Computed Tomographic Measurement Method for Morphoanatomical Comparison of Femur, Tibia, and Patella in Cats with and without Medial Patellar Luxation
• Huerta et al. — Evaluation of Osteotomy Healing in Boxer Dogs Undergoing Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Using Two Radiographic Scoring Systems
  📚 From the January 2025 issue of VCOT

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we highlight two impactful orthopedic studies from the January 2025 issue of VCOT. Whether you're choosing a locking plate system or navigating traumatic patellar luxation (PL), this episode brings you practical, evidence-based insights for your next case.

We cover:

✅ Lai et al. — A biomechanical comparison of three 3.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP) systems under cyclic torsion. While initial stiffness across systems was similar, fatigue life varied dramatically, with DPS screws outperforming KB and Vey by up to 50%. Failure occurred via screw breakage, not plate deformation—reframing implant selection around screw endurance, not just plate stiffness

✅ Boullenger et al. — A retrospective review of 16 traumatic patellar luxation cases in dogs and cats—strictly excluding developmental deformities. All were treated with soft tissue repair alone, and 10 of 13 dogs achieved full return to function at a 71-month mean follow-up. Use of a fabellotibial suture (FPS) was critical, especially in large-breed dogs. Surgical pearls include anchoring the FPS to the femoral condyle for better isometry and reduced failure

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Lai et al. — Biomechanical Comparison of Three Locking Compression Plate Constructs from Three Manufacturers under Cyclic Torsional Loading in a Fracture Gap Model
• Boullenger et al. —  Clinical Presentation, Surgical Treatment, and Outcome of Traumatic Patellar Luxation in 11 Dogs and 5 Cats A Single-Centre Retrospective Study between 2011 and 2022 
  📚 From the January 2025 issue of VCOT

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we spotlight two minimally invasive surgical techniques from the November 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. Whether you're decompressing spinal cords or resecting thoracic tumors, these papers prove that less invasive doesn't mean less effective—if you plan and execute with precision.

We cover:

✅ Wolfe et al. — A randomized cadaver study evaluating an integrated endoscopic approach for thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy (TLLC) in dogs. Using a hybrid technique combining mini hemilaminectomy and lateral corpectomy, surgeons achieved median decompression depths of 74% of the vertebral canal. No rib head resection, zero traumatic rhizotomy, and improved access with angled patient positioning make this a serious alternative to open techniques

✅ Renier et al. — A multi-institutional retrospective on thoracoscopic resection of cranial mediastinal masses in 17 cats. All survived surgery with a median hospitalization of 2 days, but 35% required conversion, mostly due to tumors over 5 cm or strong adhesions. The study recommends a VATS-assisted fallback strategy using a mini incision for digital retraction—letting you stay minimally invasive while handling surgical surprises

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Wolf et al. — Integrated endoscopic thoracolumbar
  mini-hemilaminectomy and lateral corpectomy
  in cadaver dogs
• Renier et al. — Thoracoscopic resection of cranial mediastinal masses:
  Retrospective study in 17 cats
  📚 From the November 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we wrap up November's orthopedic coverage with two studies focused on tibial alignment, implant planning, and real-world healing rates. These papers bring clarity to the impact of implant geometry and construct length on outcomes in fracture fixation.

We cover:

✅ Ramsey et al. — A retrospective comparison of straight vs. bent interlocking nails (ILNs) for tibial fracture repair in dogs. The results are striking: bent nails restored near-anatomic alignment (TPA deviation ~1°) while straight ILNs caused an average of 5° of excess caudal slope. The takeaway? Pre-contouring isn’t just aesthetic—it significantly reduces malalignment without increasing complication rates

Small Animal Vet Surge 2025 Nov….

✅ Rehnblom et al. — A retrospective multicenter case series on 75 canine and feline fractures repaired with the Ortholine hybrid locking plate. The system achieved a 93.4% union rate with a 1.1% implant failure rate, despite wide variation in plate span. The study suggests that in radial and ulnar fractures, shorter spans (~40–50%) are acceptable with good reduction—reducing morbidity without compromising stability

Small Animal Vet Surge 2025 Nov….

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Ramsey et al. — Comparison of tibial alignment following bent or straight
  interlocking nail fixation for dogs with
  diaphyseal tibial fractures
• Rehnblom et al. — Open reduction and internal fixation of 75 small animal
  fractures treated with the OrthoLineTM fracture system
  📚 From the November 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we kick off November’s orthopedic coverage with two studies that refine surgical access and fracture fixation in feline and canine patients. One clarifies your best exposure strategy for feline radial fractures, and the other brings big-data clarity to interlocking nail performance in long bone trauma.

We cover:

✅ Bower et al. — An ex vivo cadaveric study comparing cranial medial vs. cranial lateral surgical approaches to the feline radius. The result? No statistically significant difference in surface exposure—with cranial lateral actually offering slightly more viewable area (4.13 cm² vs. 3.84 cm²). This confirms that the easier, safer, and nerve-sparing lateral approach is just as effective and far more efficient for positioning, especially when performing dual bone fixation (DBF)

Small Animal Vet Surge 2025 Nov….

✅ Perry et al. — A retrospective review of over 240 canine fractures stabilized with the ILOC interlocking nail. Complication rates, implant performance, and time to union were analyzed across a diverse orthopedic caseload. The study supports ILOC as a safe, versatile fixation option with excellent union rates and low implant-related complication frequency

Small Animal Vet Surge 2025 Nov….

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Bauer et al. — Comparison of exposure of the feline radial diaphysis
  by the craniomedial and craniolateral surgical approaches
  for repair of antebrachial fractures
• Peral et al. — Outcomes of 243 dogs with traumatic fractures treated
  with the I-Lok interlocking nail
  📚 From the November 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery

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In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we highlight two studies from the October 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery—each focused on refining thoracic soft tissue closure techniques, particularly in space-limited or high-risk scenarios.

We cover:

✅ Ritson et al. — An ex vivo feline study comparing bronchial stump closure methods in hilar lung lobectomy using linear staplers, pre-tied ligature loops (PLLs), and double shank titanium clips (DS clips). All three performed equivalently—even under 40 cm H₂O airway pressure, but the DS clips and PLLs offered major advantages in working space, maneuverability, and minimally invasive access, especially in cats under 4 kg.

✅ You et al. — An ex vivo canine study evaluating a knotless barbed suture system for total lung lobectomy versus traditional sutures and staplers. At normal and supraphysiologic pressures, the barbed suture was equally secure, and 3.4 minutes faster on average than hand suturing. For small patients, tight spaces, or VATS, this may offer both mechanical and procedural benefits.

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Ritson et al. — Ex vivo comparative evaluation of feline hilar lung lobectomy using linear stapler, pretied ligature loop, and double-shank titanium clips
• You et al. — Evaluation of a knotless barbed suture for canine total lung lobectomy: An ex vivo study
  📚 From the October 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery

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