Arthritis of the elbow is one of the top four body sites affected by arthritis in dogs. A new artificial canine elbow replacement system has been developed that shows great promise and new hope for dogs. An orthopedic elbow implant called the TATE System has been produced that is minimally invasive and causes little trauma to the 4-legged patient. The results of the clinical trials are proving exceptional for surgeons and dogs alike.
For veterinarians, the complexity of the surgery is comparable to that of a hip replacement operation. The surgery takes about 3 hours. Tate, a yellow lab, after whom the implant is named, suffered from severe elbow dysplasia and was the first recipient. Tate’s owner had initially tried the usual protocols: injections, arthroscopic surgery, acupuncture and pain medications without success. He then teamed up with biomedical engineer Greg Van Der Meulen, who helped in moving Acker’s initial idea on to mechanical development.
BioMedtrix, founded in 1989, based in New Jersey launched the licensing of the TATE System and teaching courses are currently being scheduled throughout Europe and the United States. Interested surgeons can contact BioMedtrix for more information on the TATE system and workshops.
May 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Looking for more information on TATE Elbow. I am a rep for DePuy Orthopaedics/Spine for ast 14 years, my 9 year old Golden has severe osteoarthritis of left elbow. I ould like to get more information regarding the TATE system. I live in Ridgfield Ct. Any clinical data would be great and who in this area performs this procedure and approximate cost.
Thanks
peter klemm
May 15th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Hi Peter,
The implant system consists of four proportionately sized humeral and radioulnar components. Both components are based on elbow biomechanics and an extensive anthropometric study. Instruments have been designed to provide component alignment and methods of preparing the humerus, radius, and ulna for re-establishing elbow biomechanics. Component fixation is cement for the radioulnar component and hybrid fixation for the humeral component. The stem of the humeral component is cemented augmented by porous surfaces on the medial and lateral condylar surfaces for biologic ingrowth.
The primary clinical follow-up has been through Dr. Mike Conzemius. Cases have demonstrated patients can be restored to functional activity within 8 -12 weeks post-operative.
Workshops are currently taking place on the Canine Elbow System. For more information and availability:
50 Intervale Rd, Suite 5
Boonton, NJ 07005
Phone: 973-331-7800
Thank you
Dr Carol