Traumatic Luxation of the Elbow in 31 Dogs

Summary

The medical records of 31 dogs with traumatic luxation of the elbow joint were reviewed. The patients were referred to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Utrecht University during the period from 1984 to 1996. Nineteen dogs with an acute lateral luxation were treated by closed reduction. One dog with an acute bilateral luxation and two dogs with chronic elbow luxation were treated by open reduction. In four dogs the collateral ligaments were sutured on one side following closed reduction and in one dog following open reduction.

Five dogs had a Monteggia fracture. One was treated by closed reduction and external coaptation and 4 by open reduction with osteosynthesis. Excellent or good results were achieved in eight of the 19 dogs (47%) treated by closed reduction, in 1 of 3 (33%) treated by open reduction and in three of five (60%) treated for a Monteggia fracture. The quite disappointing results of the closed reduction appeared to be largely due to the instability remaining after the reduction in seven of the 19 elbow joints (41%).

Collateral ligament repair was performed in three dogs immediately following closed reduction and the clinical result was excellent in all three. When the elbow joint is unstable after reduction of a traumatic luxation, it should be stabilized surgically.

Traumatic cubital luxation is an emergency which occurs infrequently in dogs. The methods of treatment used in 31 dogs are reviewed and the long-term clinical results are evaluated. Good results can be expected for acute closed reduction, provided that stability is improved surgically if the elbow is unstable after reduction. Monteggia fractures should always be treated by open reduction.

Keywords

Elbow luxation - joint instability - ligament repair - osteoarthrosis - Monteggia fracture

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