Canine Stifle Anatomy and Surgical Approach Using Elnady Technique as an Innovative Educational Provision in Veterinary Orthopedics

Canine stifle is a complex joint with the prevalence of its injuries necessitating ongoing efforts to expand our understanding of the joint. Utilizing anatomy teaching techniques fosters learning strategies and enhances the link to surgeries. The study's goal is to create a real canine pelvic limb specimen that demonstrates the anatomy and surgical approach of the stifle region using the Elnady technique to facilitate veterinary education. The study also aimed to evaluate the characteristics of Elnady-processed specimens and compare them with real and formalin-fixed samples. Normal and well-developed hind limbs of mixed-breed cadaveric dogs underwent plastination using the Elnady technique. Steps of plastination were performed at room temperature and took approximately 45 days. The criteria of the Elnady-processed specimens were then investigated and compared to the features associated with the real, formalized, and plastinated samples. Our Elnady-processed specimens were dry, odorless, durable, and non-irritating. The structures within the plastinated limb were intact with little shrinkage and change in the colors of the muscles, subcutaneous fat, ligament, and tendons. The specimen showed relatively limited flexibility, and thus, the stifle surgical approach required further dissection following the plastination to improve joint exposure. Increasing the plastination processing period (especially the impregnation step) and controlling the temperature factor can enhance the flexibility/quality of the specimen. The Elnady-processed canine pelvic limb specimen is a safe, inexpensive, and durable alternative that can be utilized as a long-term educational and training tool for teaching veterinary students and clinical practitioners the art of basic anatomy and surgical approaches.