title: Evaluation of traction stirrup distraction technique to increase the joint space of the shoulder joint in the dog: A cadaveric study.
abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate technical feasibility and efficacy of a joint distraction technique by traction stirrup to facilitate shoulder arthroscopy and assess potential soft tissue damage. Twenty shoulders were evaluated radiographically before distraction. Distraction was applied with loads from 40 N up to 200 N, in 40 N increments, and the joint space was recorded at each step by radiographic images. The effects of joint flexion and intra-articular air injection at maximum load were evaluated. Radiographic evaluation was performed after distraction to evaluate ensuing joint laxity. Joint distraction by traction stirrup technique produces a significant increase in the joint space; an increase in joint laxity could not be inferred by standard and stress radiographs. However, further clinical studies are required to evaluate potential neurovascular complications. A wider joint space may be useful to facilitate arthroscopy, reducing the likelihood for iatrogenic damage to intra-articular structures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: veronica.devesa@vet.ucm.es.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Devesa
authors.affiliation: Clinica Veterinaria M. E. Miller, Cavriago, Italy.
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Rovesti
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Departamento de Ciencias Clínicas, School of Veterinary Sciences, Concepcion University, Chile.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Urrutia
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sanroman
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Veterinary School, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodriguez-Quiros
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D014143:Traction / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Arthroscopy; Joint distraction; Joint space; Shoulder; Traction stirrup