Subproducts of subchondral bone fraising in substitution of autologous cancellous grafts in pancarpal arthrodesis of dogs

Pancarpal arthrodesis is an extreme procedure, used in the treatment of fractures and carpal luxations, with damage to the palmar fibro cartilage and structural ligaments, after hyperextension. For this study 15 dogs were selected, which underwent pancarpal artrodesis, betwen April/ 2002 and July/ 2004. The cases were studied in regard to bone formation and post-surgical complications. The technique consisted in the ostectomy of the articular surface of the radius, exposing and rectifying it. The byproducts of this reaming were introduced as a graft after their size reduction, with a grinder. In all cases, compressive plates were used for the articular stabilization. Immediately after surgery, radiographic exams were made and in 30 days intervals, until complete articular fusion. The results front this study, with articular fusion before 300 days after surgery in 80% of the cases, were extremely similar to the ones observed with techniques that use autologous cancellous bone grafts, and 68% of the patients recovered without significant complications. Small complications like slight swelling were observed in 22% of the cases, not determining any alterations in the final result. These results show that the technique is viable, demonstrating the possibility of use of the byproducts of subchondral bone reaming as a graft in the arthrodesis of dogs.