Elbow Arthrodesis in Twelve Dogs

Summary

Clinical results of unilateral elbow arthrodesis were retrospectively reviewed in 12 dogs. Variables evaluated included signalment, indications for arthrodesis, surgical technique, elbow angle following the operation, complications, and final functional outcome. The elbow joint should be rigidly immobilized ideally using a bone plate applied to the caudal aspect of the humerus and ulna. The optimal angle of the elbow following arthrodesis appears to be 130° to 140°. Elbow arthrodesis is a salvage procedure, which can result in acceptable function of the limb, but mechanical lameness, due to inability to flex and extend the joint, remains in all animals that have undergone the operation.

Clinical results of unilateral elbow arthrodesis were retrospectively reviewed in twelve dogs. Results indicated that the elbow joint should be rigidly immobilized at an angle of 130° to 140°, ideally using a bone plate applied to the caudal aspect of the humerus and ulna. Elbow arthrodesis is a salvage procedure, which can result in acceptable function, but abnormal gait remains in all dogs.

Keywords

Elbow - arthrodesis - dogs

• REFERENCES

• 1 Newton CD. Arthrodesis of the shoulder, elbow, and carpus. In: Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics. Newton CD, Nunamaker DM. ed Philadelphia: Lippincott; 1985: 565-70.
• 2 Brinker WO, Piermattei DL, Flo GL. Arthrodesis of the elbow. In: Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 1990: 515-7.
• 3 Newton CD, Nunamaker DM. Elbow arthrodesis. In: Manual of Internal Fixation in Small Animals. Brinker WO, Hohn RB, Prieur WD. ed Berlin: Springer; 1984: 265
• 4 Lesser AS. Arthrodesis. In: Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. 2nd ed. Slatter D. ed Philadelphia: Saunders; 1993: 1888-901.
• 5 Turner TM, Lipowitz AJ. Arthrodesis. In: Current Techniques in Small Animal Surgery. 3rd ed. Bojrab MJ. ed Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1990: 825-36.
• 6 Penwick RC. Arthrodesis. Vet Clin North Am (Small Anim Pract) 1987; 17: 821-40.
• 7 Newton CD, Olmstead ML. Arthrodesis of the elbow. In: Small Animal Surgery. Harvey CE, Newton CD, Schwartz A. ed Philadelphia: Lippincott; 1990: 609-10.
• 8 Denny HR. Arthrodesis in the dog. Vet Annual 1990; 30: 269-76.
• 9 Roush JC. Elbow arthrodesis. In: Canine Orthopedics. 2nd ed. Whittick WG. ed Philadelphia: Lippincott; 1990: 900-1.
• 10 Piermattei DL. An Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones and Joints of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 1993: 158-63.