Sirius 3 canine elbow - post-op radiograph
Courtesy of Rob Pettitt, University of Liverpool

Introduction

The Sirius Canine Elbow is a patented total joint replacement system for the treatment of end-stage canine elbow arthritis.

The Sirius was developed by Professor John Innes and Mr. Rob Pettitt at University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital, working in collaboration with UK bioengineer Dr. Paul Smirthwaite.

The current design, Sirius 3, is a linked prosthesis with a titanium axle connecting the humeral and ulnar components, as shown to the left in a recent post-op x-ray

Courses

Courses are run for veterinary surgeons - please contact us for further details or register your interest here:

Clinical Benefits of the Sirius System

The Sirius implant and instrument system has been designed by UK bioengineers with over 40 years combined experience in the development of implants and instrument systems, in collaboration with leading orthopaedic veterinary surgeons. Key features include:
  • precision instrumentation to ensure accurate and reproducible bone cuts
  • simplified surgical procedure with no requirement for inhibition of radial head motion
  • preservation of pronation and supination
  • 3D printed trabecular metal coating on ulnar tray, to promote bone in-growth
  • stemmed humeral component and ulnar peg for enhanced stability

Click here for further information on the design features which ensure the long-term clinical success of the Sirius elbow:

Sirius Implants

Sirius resurfaces the damaged articular cartilage of the elbow, thereby preserving bone stock and maintaining the transfer of load to the subchrondral bone (to avoid stress shielding).

The implant comprises three components: a stemmed humeral component, an ulnar tray, and a PEEK ulnar bearing. The humeral component is cemented, whilst the ulnar tray is secured with titanium, shaft-type bone screws and an integral peg. A cranial ulnar flange allows additional bone screw fixation. The bone-contacting surfaces of the ulnar tray have a 3D printed trabecular metal coating to encourage bone in-growth for long-term fixation. A titanium axle connects the humeral and ulnar components to prevent subluxation.  

The Sirius is available in three sizes (small, medium and large) and is non-handed.

Sirius Instruments

Sirius is fully instrumented, to ensure ease and accuracy of the surgical procedure.  The centre of rotation is identified with a drill guide seated in the isthmus of the humeral trochlea, prior to any bone cuts being made.  All cuts then are guided by cutting jigs, with the result that the centre of rotation of the prosthesis matches that of the original elbow.