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Zann et al: Long-term outcome of dogs treated by surgical debridement of proximal humeral osteochondrosis
Veterinary Surgery 6, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • All dogs developed progressive osteoarthritis (OA) after surgical debridement of proximal humeral OC.
  • Ipsilateral muscle atrophy and reduced shoulder range of motion were common, particularly in unilaterally affected dogs.
  • Arthroscopically, lesions showed incomplete cartilage infilling even years after surgery, averaging only ~37% infilling.
  • Synovitis was present in all joints, with moderate-to-severe hypertrophy and vascularity scores.
  • CT identified OC lesions as deeper and wider than radiography, and all affected joints had more advanced OA than contralateral limbs (P = .001 radiograph, P = .005 CT).
  • Kinetic gait analysis showed no significant differences in peak vertical force or impulse, but a subtle 4.4% asymmetric load reduction on the operated limb.
  • Median LOAD score was 6, indicating mild owner-perceived disability despite measurable clinical and imaging abnormalities.
  • Cartilage infilling was incomplete in all cases, with no lesion exceeding 60% restoration, raising questions about the healing potential of debridement alone.

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← Articles

Zann et al: Long-term outcome of dogs treated by surgical debridement of proximal humeral osteochondrosis
Veterinary Surgery 6, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • All dogs developed progressive osteoarthritis (OA) after surgical debridement of proximal humeral OC.
  • Ipsilateral muscle atrophy and reduced shoulder range of motion were common, particularly in unilaterally affected dogs.
  • Arthroscopically, lesions showed incomplete cartilage infilling even years after surgery, averaging only ~37% infilling.
  • Synovitis was present in all joints, with moderate-to-severe hypertrophy and vascularity scores.
  • CT identified OC lesions as deeper and wider than radiography, and all affected joints had more advanced OA than contralateral limbs (P = .001 radiograph, P = .005 CT).
  • Kinetic gait analysis showed no significant differences in peak vertical force or impulse, but a subtle 4.4% asymmetric load reduction on the operated limb.
  • Median LOAD score was 6, indicating mild owner-perceived disability despite measurable clinical and imaging abnormalities.
  • Cartilage infilling was incomplete in all cases, with no lesion exceeding 60% restoration, raising questions about the healing potential of debridement alone.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Zann 2023 et al., on proximal humeral OC surgery, what was the average owner-reported LOAD score indicating?

A. Severe functional disability
B. Moderate disability with gait alterations
C. Mild disability with good perceived function
D. Complete resolution of lameness
E. No mobility concerns reported

Answer: Mild disability with good perceived function

Explanation: The median LOAD score was 6, which falls into the mild category despite measurable orthopedic and imaging abnormalities.
In Zann 2023 et al., on proximal humeral OC, what conclusion was drawn about the progression of osteoarthritis (OA)?

A. OA was absent in most joints postoperatively
B. OA decreased significantly over time
C. OA progression was consistent but not clinically relevant in most cases
D. OA only developed in dogs with bilateral lesions
E. OA was more severe when treated with arthrotomy

Answer: OA progression was consistent but not clinically relevant in most cases

Explanation: OA was present in all cases, but owner-reported outcomes were generally positive.
In Zann 2023 et al., on proximal humeral OC surgery, what difference was found in shoulder extension in unilaterally affected dogs?

A. No difference in extension compared to contralateral limb
B. Increased extension in affected limb
C. Decreased extension in affected limb
D. Extension unchanged but flexion reduced
E. Shoulder abduction was significantly limited

Answer: Decreased extension in affected limb

Explanation: Shoulder extension was significantly decreased (P = .013) in the affected limb compared to the contralateral limb.
In Zann 2023 et al., on proximal humeral OC surgery, what was the most common arthroscopic finding in previously treated shoulders?

A. Normal cartilage architecture with minimal changes
B. Complete fibrocartilage infilling of the lesion
C. Partial infilling with patchy cartilage tissue and synovitis
D. Grossly normal cartilage with focal eburnation
E. No residual cartilage defects were visible

Answer: Partial infilling with patchy cartilage tissue and synovitis

Explanation: All joints had incomplete cartilage infilling and moderate to severe synovitis on arthroscopic evaluation.

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