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Espinel Rupérez et al: Arthroscopic-assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats: An ex vivo feasibility study
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • 14 joints from 7 cat cadavers underwent AA-HTS successfully.
  • Median surgical time: 46.5 min (29–144), including 7 min for arthroscopy and 40 min for toggle placement.
  • Intraoperative complications in 5/14 joints: 4 related to femoral tunnel creation, 1 toggle lodging.
  • Toggle passage through femoral tunnel was the most challenging step, mildly difficult in 6 joints.
  • Cartilage injury occurred in 10 joints, but all were minor (<10% of cartilage area).
  • 13 deviations from planned technique were identified (8 major, 5 minor), all involving femoral tunnel placement.
  • No neurovascular, intrapelvic, or major periarticular injuries occurred.
  • Authors conclude: AA-HTS is feasible in cats, but associated with high rates of minor iatrogenic cartilage damage, intra-op complications, and technique deviations.

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← Articles

Espinel Rupérez et al: Arthroscopic-assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats: An ex vivo feasibility study
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • 14 joints from 7 cat cadavers underwent AA-HTS successfully.
  • Median surgical time: 46.5 min (29–144), including 7 min for arthroscopy and 40 min for toggle placement.
  • Intraoperative complications in 5/14 joints: 4 related to femoral tunnel creation, 1 toggle lodging.
  • Toggle passage through femoral tunnel was the most challenging step, mildly difficult in 6 joints.
  • Cartilage injury occurred in 10 joints, but all were minor (<10% of cartilage area).
  • 13 deviations from planned technique were identified (8 major, 5 minor), all involving femoral tunnel placement.
  • No neurovascular, intrapelvic, or major periarticular injuries occurred.
  • Authors conclude: AA-HTS is feasible in cats, but associated with high rates of minor iatrogenic cartilage damage, intra-op complications, and technique deviations.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Espinel Rupérez 2023 et al., in Arthroscopic-assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats, what type of cartilage injury was most commonly observed?

A. Extensive full-thickness lesions
B. Cartilage damage affecting >50% of the joint
C. Minor cartilage injury involving <10% of surface
D. No cartilage damage was detected
E. Cartilage injury affecting only the acetabulum

Answer: Minor cartilage injury involving <10% of surface

Explanation: Cartilage injury occurred in 10 joints, all classified as minor (<10% area affected).
In Espinel Rupérez 2023 et al., in Arthroscopic-assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats, what was the most challenging intraoperative step during AA-HTS in cats?

A. Arthroscopic portal placement
B. Toggle passage through the femoral tunnel
C. Creation of the acetabular tunnel
D. Assessment of reduction under arthroscopy
E. Suture fixation to toggle

Answer: Toggle passage through the femoral tunnel

Explanation: Authors reported toggle passage through the femoral tunnel as the most challenging step, difficult in 6 joints.
In Espinel Rupérez 2023 et al., in Arthroscopic-assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats, what proportion of deviations from the intended technique were major?

A. None
B. 1 out of 13
C. 3 out of 13
D. 8 out of 13
E. All were major

Answer: 8 out of 13

Explanation: Major deviations occurred in 8/13 cases, all related to femoral tunnel placement accuracy.
In Espinel Rupérez 2023 et al., in Arthroscopic-assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats, what percentage of joints experienced intraoperative complications?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 36%
D. 50%
E. 75%

Answer: 36%

Explanation: 5 out of 14 joints had complications, mainly related to femoral tunnel creation and toggle lodging.
In Espinel Rupérez 2023 et al., in Arthroscopic-assisted hip toggle stabilization in cats, what was the median total surgical time for AA-HTS?

A. 20 minutes
B. 30 minutes
C. 46.5 minutes
D. 60 minutes
E. 90 minutes

Answer: 46.5 minutes

Explanation: Median surgical time was 46.5 minutes, with ~7 minutes for arthroscopy and ~40 minutes for toggle placement.

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