Clinical Benefits of the Sirius Canine Elbow System

Factors influencing implant failure are multifactorial, and are commonly related to:

• weakening of bone stock due to excessive bone resection and stress shielding
• implant loosening due to poor fixation and differential movement between the radius and ulna at the implant surface
• inadequate instrumentation
• difficult surgical approach

The Sirius benefits from advances gained over the past 40 years in human joint replacement, and has been developed by a team of highly experienced medical engineers and veterinary surgeons. The Sirius incorporates the following design features, which help to avoid the common problems historically associated with implant failure:

• bone conserving design requiring minimal bone resection: the Sirius simply resurfaces the ulnar surface, and preserves the majority of the distal humerus, including the trochlea. This design reduces the risk of bone resorption and weakening due to stress shielding.
  

• preservation of pronation and supination: earlier systems have required the inhibition of radial motion (for example, by use of locking screws and / or distal ostectomy). The Sirius tray is fixed to the ulna only, allowing free movement of the radius.

Note: the image below includes a PAUL plate from a previous procedure - this plate is not part of the Sirius system.

Sirius canine elbow - post-op radiograph

• excellent short, medium and long-term fixation: the humeral stem is cemented and the box-cut distal end provides additional rotational and translational stability. The ulnar component benefits from initial three point screw fixation and has a state of the art trabecular metal coating to ensure excellent long-term osseointegration.
  

• fully instrumented system and non-handed implant design: the Sirius system is fully instrumented, and has been developed in association with leading veterinary orthopaedic surgeons, to ensure optimal ergonomics and a straightforward surgical approach.