New elbow replacement surgery to be trialled
“The third-generation TATE implant has been in use with a small number of US surgeons for several years now and the results so far have been very promising” – Andy Moores.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Ethics Review Panel has given approval for a new elbow replacement surgery for dogs to be trialled at two referral clinics.
The third-generation Biomedtrix TATE elbow replacement surgery is the latest design of the TATE elbow replacement that first came into clinical use in the 2010s.
The new implant has already been in use in a small number of US practices. It includes new instrumentation designed to maximise the accuracy of bone preparation for the implants and a new implant design that is said to offer improved stability.
One of the clinics where it will be trialled is Moores Orthopaedic Clinic in Upton Grey, Hampshire. Andy Moores, clinical director and head of the joint replacement programme at the clinic, recently became certified to perform the third-generation TATE elbow replacement surgery after attending the first TATE technology course in Boston, USA.
The surgery is also available at Wear Referrals in Bradbury, County Durham, as part of the clinical evaluation trial. The practice is currently seeing cases for preliminary assessment for the surgery.
The procedure will be available for suitable patients with severe elbow osteoarthritis. The outcomes of the surgeries will be closely monitored and documented.
Dr Moores said: “Canine elbow replacement can be a game-changer for dogs living with chronic elbow pain but up until this point the elbow replacement systems have not been as reliable as we would like.
“The third-generation TATE implant has been in use with a small number of US surgeons for several years now and the results so far have been very promising.
“We are delighted that Biomedtrix have invited us to join the evaluation trial for this implant and that the RCVS Ethics Review Panel have approved this. We look forward to offering this surgery as an option for some of our most painful canine patients.”
Image © Moores Orthopaedic Clinic
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
