Yves Samoy

Yves Samoy was born in 1979 in Izegem, Belgium. In 2003 he graduated cum laude as veterinary surgeon at Ghent University. After graduation, he continued to work at Ghent University at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics to improve his orthopedic skills.

From 2008 to June 2013 he was a full time assistant in the Orthopedic department. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. B. Van Ryssen he finished his PhD on Elbow incongruity in the dog in 2011. Since July 2013 he is Doctoral Assistant in the Orthopedic department and is involved in all kinds of orthopedic surgery including arthroscopy. He is also the developing surgeon behind the TTA Rapid technique. Since 2015 he is CCRP certified by Ghent University and in charge of the Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Unit. In 2018 he was granted the title of De Facto Diplomate in the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ECVSMR). From 2018 on, he is ECVSMR Board member as (Vice-)Secretary.

Since November 2022 he split his time between Ghent University, where he works as senior orthopaedic surgeon and several clinics in the Anicura Belgium Group (Vetimacs – Brussels; Anthemis – Kapelle-op-den-bos; De Vliet – Puurs).
Yves Samoy is author or co-author of several orthopaedic publications in international journals, is an invited speaker on several events and has given numerous lectures and courses on general orthopaedics, rehabiltitation, small animal arthroscopy and cruciate ligament repair systems as TTA Rapid, TPLO and CTWO.

Abstract: Rehabilitation of Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs: The Influence of Different Management Approaches

Elbow dysplasia (ED) in dogs encompasses several conditions, including fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP), ununited anconeal process (UAP), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), incongruity, and flexor enthesopathy. Management strategies vary, including conservative treatment, arthroscopy, and arthrotomy, each influencing subsequent joint impact and rehabilitation choices.

Conservative treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation through modalities like laser therapy, shockwave, thermotherapy, and early stretching. In cases where conservative methods fail for flexor enthesopathy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infiltration is often the first choice before considering tenotomy.

Arthroscopic treatment, while generally superior to medical management, involves puncture wounds, potential fluid accumulation, and cartilage damage. Post-operatively, early mobilization is crucial, with a focus on reducing pain and swelling through ice/heat therapy, laser therapy, manual therapy, and early passive range of motion (PROM).

Arthrotomy, involving a more invasive opening of the joint, results in damage to skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and the joint capsule itself, alongside cartilage and subchondral bone damage. Rehabilitation protocols emphasize careful PROM and managing tension on surrounding muscles, with specific considerations for conditions like UAP, where ulna healing is a key focus.

Rehabilitation principles, aligned with human medicine, involve an acute recovery phase (weeks 1-4) focused on tissue healing and swelling reduction, a remodulation phase (weeks 2-6) promoting collagen changes and motion progression, and an advanced strengthening phase (weeks 6-12) aimed at returning to normal activity.

The optimal management and rehabilitation of canine elbow dysplasia require a tailored approach based on the specific condition and chosen intervention.

 

References:

• Evans, Richard B. et al. “Comparison of three methods for the management of fragmented medial coronoid process in the dog.” Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 21 (2008): 106 – 109.
• Gosens, Taco & Peerbooms, Joost & Laar, Wilbert & Den Oudsten, Brenda. (2011). Ongoing Positive Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroid Injection in Lateral Epicondylitis A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial With 2-year Follow-up. The American journal of sports medicine. 39. 1200-8. 10.1177/0363546510397173.
• Verstuyft L, Caekebeke P, van Riet R. Postoperative rehabilitation in elbow surgery. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Jun 18;20:101479. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101479. Erratum in: J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Jul 30;20:101538. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101538. PMID: 34262846; PMCID: PMC8254033.
• Volz, F., Eberle, D., Kornmayer, M., Zablotski, Y. and Meyer-Lindenberg, A. (2024), Effect of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid on limb function recovery in dogs with TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament rupture: a randomised controlled trial. J Small Anim Pract, 65: 223-233. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13704
• Matos Cruz, Alyssa M. and Mason, David R. (2022), Owner assessed outcomes following elbow arthroscopy with or without platelet rich plasma for fragmented medial coronoid process. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.938706