Fitzpatrick Referrals
Orthopaedics + Neurosurgery

Surgery

Setting New Standards In Cutting Edge Medical and Surgical Techniques

Elbow

Subtotal coronoid ostectomy (SCO) is performed for fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP); autogenous graft and self-compressing cannulated screw (Acutrak™) for incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC); self-compressing screw and ulnar osteotomy for ununited anconeal process (UAP). Sliding Humeral Osteotomy (SHO) for medial compartment disease.

Knee (Stifle)

Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO), Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA),Tightrope™ and conventional cruciate repairs are performed for ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments and cruciate disease; derotational osteotomies for limb alignment; patellar luxation and meniscal surgery.

Hip

Total Hip Replacement surgeries are performed regularly for large dogs and occasionally for small dogs and cats. Femoral Head and Neck Excision is a salvage procedure performed where Total hIp Replacement is inappropriate. Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis is performed in dogs where Hip Dysplasia is recognised at a very early age.

Joint replacement

Where function is impossible to maintain by other means, total joint replacement is now possible and regularly undertaken for the hip, elbow, stifle and hock. Biomedtrix™ cemented and uncemented technologies are employed.

Arthrodesis

Where function is irreparably impaired, joint fusion is possible and we have led the field in development of new technologies of internal and external skeletal fixation in this arena.

Osteochondral transplantation

We have pioneered a technique for use in the canine elbow -  Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS) for debilitating cartilage erosion of the joints, especially those affected by osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

Growth deformities

We have developed several adaptations of internal and external skeletal fixation offering consistently successful applications for these frustrating conditions of the thoracic or pelvic limbs.

Fractures and non-unions

We employ all conventional fixation techniques including newer internal fixation technologies in addition to more advanced technologies such as distraction osteogenesis and distraction-compression osteointegration using linear, circular and hybrid external skeletal fixation (Imex™).

Bone Cancer

Limb salvage options where tumours are indicated now include bone transport and customized osteointegration implants. Skull fractures are repaired using the most recent implant technologies; tumour resection for the skull and thorax is commonly performed with appropriate prosthetic reconstruction; thoracic trauma is routinely treated with state-of-the-art life-support equipment and surgical interventions; brain surgery is available for conditions such as tumours and syringohydromyelia.

Endoprosthesis

Endoprostheses are internal surgical implants used to fill a gap left by removal of a large section of bone or even an entire joint. We have used this technology for management of bone cancer in dogs very successfully over several years.

Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP)

We were the first surgical centre worldwide (either veterinary or human) to offer the ITAP technology developed by Stanmore Implants Worldwide Ltd. for weight-bearing limb salvage procedures in any species. We have treated both dogs and cats with this innovative technology in circumstances where amputation or euthanasia were the only possible alternatives.

Intervertebral disc disease

We have developed a very efficient and expeditious protocol for treatment of acute spinal disease of all kinds. We have been involved for several years in the development of a uniquely successful technology for distraction fusion of vertebral instability associated with disc disease and deformation affecting the cervical and lumbosacral spine (cervical spondylomyelopathy and cauda equina syndrome).

Neuromuscular disease

Investigations including advanced imaging, electro-diagnostics, blood and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, histopathology and appropriate medical or surgical intervention are regularly undertaken for our neurological cases.

Trauma

Fractures and other orthopaedic injuries are routinely treated with the newest implant technology and surgical techniques.

Bioabsorbable implants

Polylactide bone fixation nails (Smart Nail™) may be used for reconstruction of small articular fragments where metallic implants may interfere with joint function.

Cannulated self-compressing screws

Placing screws accurately across complex articular fractures and compressing fracture lines is facilitated by use of k-wire-guided cannulated variably pitched titanium screws (Acutrak™), for which we have pioneered the use in small animals.