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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2013; 26(02): 140-146
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-11-0160
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Surgical management of radial head luxation in a dog using an external skeletal traction device

N. Fitzpatrick
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom
,
R. Yeadon
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom
,
M. Farrell
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 14 November 2011

Accepted 16 September 2012

Publication Date:
18 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

A five-month-old Airedale Terrier was presented with a history of right thoracic limb lameness. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed caudolateral luxation of the right radial head. Surgical intervention involved an oblique proximal radial osteotomy and gradual craniomedial traction of the radial head using an external skeletal fixator (ESF) incorporating a traction device. The radial head was gradually reduced over 16 days. After radiographic confirmation of appropriate radial head reduction, a consolidation phase followed, with removal of the traction ESF after 24 days. Follow-up radiographs documented remodelling of the radial head. Clinical follow-up three years postoperatively revealed nearly normal ground reaction forces. Activity was unrestricted and there was no requirement for analgesic medications.

Keywords

Radial head - luxation - congenital - elbow - incongruity
 

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