Osteochondral Autographs in Dogs

The University of Missouri Veterinary Orthopaedics Group has developed and implemented an osteochondral autograft system for treatment of osteochondrosis of the knee in dogs. Using a system and technique available for treatment of cartilage defects in humans, our group has worked with Arthrex, Inc. to make this novel technology beneficial for dogs. The osteochondral autograft transfer system, or OATS, involves taking a cylindrical piece of cartilage and bone from a non-weightbearing portion of the knee and transferring that graft to a defect caused by the osteochondrosis disorder. This grafting procedure effectively restores the weightbearing surface of the joint to relieve the patient’s pain and dysfunction. The wonderful people at Arthrex have generously modified their human system to allow for its use in the relatively small knees of dogs. So far, the clinical results have been excellent. Dogs that would typically become painful and debilitated at a very early age using traditional treatments for osteochondrosis of the knee, are now returning to very active, pain-free function. We have been very happy with the results of this technique, and more importantly, the quality of life has been greatly improved for these dogs and their owners.

Click on the following to see images which illustrate the techniques we are using in dogs: