Orthopedics and traumatology in veterinary medicine deals with problems related to bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Since all these structures must work together and be healthy for animals to live comfortably, it is important to properly manage conditions that affect these tissues.

The field of orthopedics and traumatology in veterinary medicine focuses solely on treating diseases and injuries in domestic animals such as cats and dogs. 

Orthopedic and Traumatological Conditions in Veterinary Medicine

Orthopedics and traumatology is a service that diagnoses and treats orthopedic disorders and injuries in animals. In addition to fractures, tendon, ligament, and joint injuries, other orthopedic and traumatological conditions encountered in veterinary medicine can be listed as follows.

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis manifests as joint disease and pain in puppies, while in older dogs it may be caused by underlying orthopedic problems, degenerative (overuse), and obesity. The disease may not be noticed until lameness develops.
• Hip dysplasia: It occurs in both puppies and older dogs. In puppies, it may appear as a hip dislocation, while in older dogs, it manifests as bone degeneration. It presents as a hopping gait in the hind legs.
• Patellar dislocation: It is the loosening or dislocation of the kneecap. This loosening of the kneecap prevents the knee from functioning properly and can cause pain and disability in the knee.
• Angular limb deformities: It is a condition that causes disability and pain due to shortening or angulation (abnormal angle formation) in the limb.
• Elbow dysplasia: It is known as the most common cause of lameness in the front legs. Over time, it can lead to cartilage loss and secondary osteoarthritis-related wear on joint surfaces.
• Cranial ligament injuries: It is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament, which is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament in humans, located in the knees of cats and dogs. It is usually the result of a degenerative process. After the ligament tears, a noticeable limp develops in the affected limb.
• Osteochondritis dissecans: It is a condition that affects puppies and causes inflammation and pain by dislocating the cartilage of the joint. It usually manifests as a limp in the front legs.

Although orthopedic and traumatological diseases are commonly encountered in dogs and cats in veterinary medicine, joint problems are also likely to occur in species such as birds, wild animals, horses, and other large animals.

New Imaging Techniques in Veterinary Medicine

In addition to traditional equipment, new imaging techniques in veterinary medicine are crucial for accurately diagnosing underlying issues in animal diseases and recommending appropriate treatment for the patient. Images obtained using advanced diagnostic and imaging tools such as ultrasound, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan) allow for a better understanding of the anatomy of the problem and, if necessary, enable the reconstruction of 3-dimensional forms to assist in planning surgery. This makes it possible to identify problems that might otherwise be overlooked using future-oriented equipment. 

The use of advanced diagnostic options in veterinary medicine provides more effective and safer treatment conditions. The arthroscopic procedure, which is also used in advanced diagnostic systems when examining the joint, is also used for treatment purposes to restore function in a short time in cases requiring surgical intervention, such as shoulder osteochondritis dissecans disease seen in dogs. With the arthroscopic procedure, which is a minimally invasive treatment option, it is possible to reduce surgical discomfort, shorten hospital stays, and accelerate recovery.   

Orthopedics and traumatology in veterinary medicine plays an important role in ensuring animals have a better quality of life through advanced treatment, rehabilitation, state-of-the-art surgical care, and preventive measures, helping them regain their daily functions, strength, and mobility.