Lateral manus translation for limb‐sparing surgery in 18 dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma in dogs

• Published in: Veterinary surgery Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 247 - 256
• Main Authors: Séguin, Bernard, Walsh, Peter J., Ehrhart, E. J., Hayden, Eva, Lafferty, Mary H., Selmic, Laura E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-02-2019
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; Biomechanics; Bone cancer; Chemotherapy; Complications; Compression; Dogs; Locking; Metacarpal; Osteosarcoma; Population studies; Radius; Surgery; Translation; Ulna
• ISSN: 0161-3499; 1532-950X
• DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13132

Objective
To describe and report outcomes after lateral translation of the manus for limb‐sparing management of distal radial osteosarcoma in dogs.
Study design
Retrospective case series.
Study population
Eighteen client‐owned dogs.
Methods
The distal aspect of the affected radius and associated neoplastic tissues were excised. The distal aspect of the ulna was preserved except for its medial cortex, which was removed en bloc with the radial segment. The manus was translated laterally to place the radial carpal bone in contact with the distal aspect of the ulna. A limb‐sparing or locking compression plate was placed on the remaining proximal radius and the 3rd metacarpal bone. A 3.5‐mm SOP (string of pearls) plate was placed on the lateral aspect of the proximal ulna and the 4th metacarpal bone. Dogs were administered chemotherapy. Data were collected to assess surgical and oncologic outcomes. Limb function was subjectively assessed.
Results
The percentage of radius removed ranged from 43% to 94% (median 54%). Complications developed in 12 limbs, with infection in 10, biomechanical complications in 6, and local recurrence in 4. Limb function was subjectively assessed as acceptable. Median disease‐free interval was 219 days, and median survival time was 370 days.
Conclusion
Outcomes after lateral translation of the manus compared favorably to other limb‐sparing techniques for dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma, particularly in dogs requiring excision of a large segment of the radius.
Clinical significance
The lateral manus translation provides an alternative limb‐sparing technique that does not require an allograft, endoprosthesis, or autograft.