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New Elbow Prosthesis Available At VTH

Starting in April 2008, the CVM became one of the first four institutions in the country to offer a new cementless elbow prosthesis (TATE Elbow™ System from BioMedtrix) for the treatment of intractable canine elbow arthritis.

Postoperative lateral radiograph of a TATE prosthesis. Courtesy Dr. Randy Acker, designer of the TATE Elbow System.

Starting in April 2008, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University became one of the first four institutions in the country to offer a new cementless elbow prosthesis (TATE Elbow™ System from BioMedtrix) for the treatment of intractable canine elbow arthritis.

Over the past several years, Randy Acker, DVM, and engineer Greg Van Der Meulen, BS, have designed an entirely new cementless total elbow prosthesis for canine patients in collaboration with BioMedtrix, a leader in total joint replacement design.

The concepts for the implant design are based on the elbow anatomy and were developed with a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach in mind. Crucial innovations compared to previous designs include: 1) medial approach via small incision, 2) preservation of the collateral ligaments, 3) removal of only the articular surfaces without disarticulation, 4) cementless implant insertion as a pre-assembled cartridge.
Cementless prostheses have many potential advantages over the currently used cemented model, including reduced risk of infection and reduced rate of implant wear, both of which are regarded as leading causes of postoperative morbidity and implant failure.

“Early clinical results have been very positive, and we believe there is potential for this system to mimic total hip replacement in aspects of operating time, post-op function and patient recovery,” said Dr. Loic Dejardin, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon at the MSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Typical patients who would potentially benefit from this new prosthesis are dogs suffering from chronic, incapacitating lameness secondary to severe elbow arthritis that is nonresponsive to NSAIDS. During this initial clinical trial, older patients with unilateral disease will represent ideal candidates for this procedure.

: Tate Cartridge

: TATE humeral component

: TATE radio-ulnar component

Jake's Story

The first patient to recieve a TATE Elbow™ System from BioMedtrix at the College of Veterinary Medicine was Jake, an 11-year-old yellow Labrador retriever. Jake became the first dog in the Midwest and just the 11th dog in the world to recieve the new cementless elbow prosthesis in April 2008.

The surgery was performed in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital by veterinary orthopedic surgeon Loic Dejardin. Dr. Dejardin has performed the surgery on four more dogs since Jake's operation.

Jake was referred to the CVM by veterinarian Dr. Sarah Schull of Grand Rapids' Family Friends Veterinary Hospital and Pet Care Center. After the operation Jake underwent intesive physical rehabilitation at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital and Pet Care Center under the guidance of Kim Selbee, LVT. Jake has completed his physical therapy and has returned to his normal activity.

Jake's owners, Dan and Sue Falk of Grand Rapids report that he is running around like he did when he was younger.

You can hear Dr. Dejardin and Kim Selby talk about Jake's procedure and therapy on the Walt Sorg show here.

See Jake in President Simon's 2008 Highlights video:

Please see the following links to learn more about Jake's story:

MSU News - Innovative surgery by MSU veterinarian provides new lease on life to dogs

The Detroit News - Janet Jackson, dog news and Wet-Naps

The Lansing State Journal - New prosthesis has dog running again

The Grand Rapids Press - Grand Rapids dog's surgery for artificial elbow has potential for humans

The State News - Best Paw Forward

For more information, please contact:

Loïc Déjardin, DVM, MS, Dip. ACVS, ECVS
Orthopaedic Surgery

Phone (office): 1 (517) 432 5526