This lecture focuses on techniques for diagnosing cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) in the canine. The lecture includes a comprehensive discussion of the subtleties of gait observation, stifle palpation, instability tests and stifle radiography. Participants will learn how to position patients for stifle radiographs that will permit detection of CrCD as well as pertinent co-morbidities that can render ExCap Suture stabilization a failure. After attending this lecture, attendees will be better able to CrCLD and detect important co-morbidities that may influence the best treatment plan as well as the patient prognosis.

This lecture focuses on educating the pet owner about CrCLD treatment options and their anticipated outcomes and possible complications. Attendees will learn how to select patients who will likely benefit from ExCap Suture stabilization as well as detect those who are at risk of treatment failure. After attending this lecture, attendees will be better able to discuss with the pet owner the cause of CrCLD, surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and risk of complications. Attendees will also be able to judiciously select surgical cases based on breed, tibial plateau angle, patient demeanor, and client/patient compliance.

This lecture is designed for the veterinarian who wishes to learn/refine the lateral suture technique and to understand the major advantages of the PowerX Crimping System. The ExCap Lateral Fabello-Tibial Suture technique will be taught in a step-by-step fashion. This lecture will discuss isometric points for suture placement, proper approach to the stifle, removal of the cruciate remnants, identification of the proper placement of the suture, and how to secure the ExCap suture using a precise crimping system. After attending this lecture, attendees will be prepared to practice the technique on cadavers during the recommended hands-on workshop.

This lecture focuses on the pathogenesis and treatment of meniscus tears associated with CrCLD in the canine and postoperative patient care after extracapsular stifle stabilization surgery. This lecture includes a review of the meniscal anatomy, tips for surgical visualization of the meniscus, surgical treatment for meniscal tears, and medial meniscal release. This lecture also discusses the three phases of rehabilitation after extracapsular stifle stabilization surgery.

This lecture begins with a discussion of what determines whether the patella tracks normally or it luxates. Diagnostic tips include a discussion of breeds at risk for medial patellar luxation (MPL) vs. lateral patellar luxation (LPL), gait patterns typical of MPL and LPL, the importance of the standing examination and hip extension, video demonstration of cruciate ligament evaluation and common radiographic errors that you can avoid. After attending this lecture, attendees will be better able to understand and diagnose patellar luxation (including the difficult cases) and to educate pet owners with regard to their commonly asked questions. 

This lecture will utilize an evidence-based approach (supplemented by Dr. Palmer’s experience) to guide you in case selection so that you can enjoy more than your share of “surgical successes” and avoid the cases that are at risk of developing complications. You will also learn Dr. Palmer’s general step-by-step approach to patellar surgery as well view video demonstrations of a medial and lateral parapatellar arthrotomy.

In this module, you will learn how to determine if your patient requires a trochleoplasty and how to perform abrasion, wedge, block and trochlear chondroplasty techniques. Video demonstrations provide great insight into how to effectively perform wedge and block trochleoplasty techniques, including some tips that you won’t find in the textbooks! You will learn how to determine if your patient requires a tibial crest transposition, as well as new surgical techniques that simplify the procedure for the novice (and ‘not-so-novice’) surgeon. 

Attendees will enjoy high-resolution video footage from Dr. Palmer’s operating room as they learn about capsular release, quadriceps release, and imbrication surgical techniques. Dr. Palmer then discusses ‘tools of the trade’ that are useful in each component of patellar luxation corrective surgery. Finally, Dr. Palmer leads a lively discussion of the goals and techniques of postoperative care and lifelong joint support following patellar luxation surgery. 

This lecture focuses on the biomechanics of the cruciate ligament deficient stifle and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. The lecture includes a discussion regarding clinical presentation, stifle palpation, instability tests and stifle radiography.

This lecture includes a discussion on the biomechanics of the TPLO technique. Attendees will learn about pre-operative radiographs, planning, and implant selection. Attendees will also gain an understanding of patient assessment and the selection of candidates for TPLO.

This course is designed for the veterinarian who wishes to learn/refine the tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy technique and to understand the major advantages of PAX Polyaxial Locking TPLO Plate System. The TPLO technique will be taught in a step-by-step fashion. This lecture will discuss surgical instrumentation, surgical approach, jig placement, performing the tibial osteotomy, and plate and screw osteosynthesis. After attending this lecture, attendees will be prepared to practice the technique on cadavers during the recommended hands-on workshop.

This lecture discusses the modified TPLO approaches for specific patient conditions, such as tibial torsion, tibial varus, tibial valgus, and medial patellar luxation. The lecture includes a review of complex TPLO case studies and a demonstration of the TPLO technique on a bone model. 

This lecture focuses on post-operative management of patients after TPLO surgery and complications. Attendees will learn how to identify, avoid, and manage potential complications. The lecture will also review the principles of locking plates and the advantage/disadvantages of the PAX Locking System.