In our current paradigm we know that we can successfully reduce a fracture using plates and screws, or stabilise a cruciate deficient stifle with an osteotomy procedure. We can remove a compressive lesion from the spine or fuse it with a spinal fusion system. Decades of clinical evidence has shown us that most orthopaedic problems can be corrected through the application of technology. This is the easy part.
However, the correct application of surgical technology can be tricky, especially when we are learning a new procedure. Unfortunately, we are not infallible and all our surgeries have the potential for human error.
As surgeons, we currently rely on our knowledge, skill and experience to apply surgical technology correctly. These very human qualities often take years to build and even then learning curves still exist.
These factors may negatively impact our patients. Thankfully, surgery doesn’t have to be like this. There’s a new mind-set and it’s being adopted rapidly.
The new paradigm sits at the intersection of surgery and engineering principles. It seeks to minimise opportunities for human error by removing the decision making from the surgery itself.
The best time to make decisions about a patient is with a cool head well before entering the operating theatre. In this state of mind we can assess, make a plan and seek advice if needed. Once we’ve made those decisions preoperatively wouldn’t it be great if we could get the exact result we wanted postoperatively? This ethos of procedural simplicity is already routine in joint replacement surgery through the use of specialised jigs. Very soon, it will be commonplace for canine cruciate disease management.
Oss|Ability is focused on making human error a thing of the past for veterinary surgeons. The Oss|Ability TTA Wedge System is a fully guided, step-by-step procedure designed to simplify tibial tuberosity advancement procedures. For experienced surgeons the results are increased repeatability and significantly reduced surgical time.
The TTA Wedge System provides the only osteotomy guide that controls final tibial tuberosity thickness as well as osteotomy length, obliquity and termination position. Once surgeons have decided on a preoperative plan the settings are dialed into the osteotomy guide prior to surgery. Surgeons then follow the step-by-step procedure to exit the surgery with confidence.
Discover the latest advances in surgical innovation so you can achieve faster, easier and more repeatable patient outcomes. The first dry-lab course in Australia is open for bookings and will commence in Adelaide. If you would like to participate in a special One Day workshop click here to register.
Written by Brent Higgins, Diplomate ECVS and Director of Oss|Ability