Synthetic Reconstruction of the Carpal Short Radial Collateral Ligament Following a Partial Sprain Injury in a Dog

Abstract

This study aims to report the clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and follow-up of a chronic traumatic grade 2 sprain of the carpus involving partial rupture of the short radial collateral ligament (SRCL) in a dog. A 5-year-old, 25-kg spayed female crossbreed dog was diagnosed with a traumatic grade 2 sprain injury of the SRCL of the left carpus. Despite carpal splinting for 1 month, persistent lameness warranted surgical reconstruction. It was achieved using a single synthetic ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene implant, going from the radius into the intermedioradial bone and around the second metacarpal bone to reconstruct the two strands of the SRCL. The reconstruction was stabilized using interference screws and a cortical button. After 1 month of carpal immobilization with a modified Robert Jones, gradual resumption of activity was initiated. At two postoperative months, only grade 1 lameness was present and progressively resolved. One year after surgery, the dog had regained full function without recurrence of lameness on the operated limb. Reconstruction of the SRCL following a traumatic grade 2 carpal sprain in dogs is possible using a braided ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene implant secured with interference screws and a cortical button. Despite secondary ankylosis, this technique avoids the use of salvage procedures such as carpal arthrodesis.

Keywords

collateral ligament - radius - dog - synthetic reconstruction - UHMWPE implant

Consent

Owner consent was obtained.

Authors' Contributions

B.D. and B.G. designed the study. B.D. and P.d.G. examined the dogs, diagnosed the pathology, performed the surgery, and carried out follow-up visits. B.D. and P.d.G. collected the data. B.D., P.d.G., A.C., and B.G. analysed and interpreted the data, and wrote, reviewed, and edited the manuscript.

Publication History

Received: 08 March 2025

Accepted: 05 June 2025

Article published online:
03 July 2025

• References

• 1 Whitelock R. Conditions of the carpus in the dog. In Practice. 2001; 23 (01) 2-13
• 2 Tomlinson JE, Manfredi JM. Evaluation of application of a carpal brace as a treatment for carpal ligament instability in dogs: 14 cases (2008-2011). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014; 244 (04) 438-443
• 3 Canapp SO, Dycus DL, Shaw KK. Disorders of the canine thoracic limb diagnosis and treatment. In: Zink C, Van Dyke JB. eds. Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd Edition.. John Wiley & Sons; 2018
• 4 Garcia DC, Mingrone LE, Da Silva JWA, De Sá MJC. Correction of valgus dislocation of the radio-carpal joint in a dog through ligament reconstruction with synthetic wire: An alternative to arthrodesis. Acta Sci Vet 2021; 49 (Suppl 1): 695
• 5 Pinna S, Tassani C, Di Benedetto M. Treatment of medial instability of the carpometacarpal and tarsometatarsal joints using the Isolock® system in two dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14 (04) 577
• 6 Guilliard MJ, Mayo AK. Sprain of the short radial collateral ligament in a racing greyhound. J Small Anim Pract 2000; 41 (04) 169-171
• 7 Buttin P, Santoro V, Agbalé M. et al. Long-term outcome following synthetical reconstruction of the medial collateral tarsal ligament in a dog. Open Vet J 2022; 12 (03) 375-382
• 8 Vasseur PB, Johnson AL, Budsberg SC. et al. Randomized, controlled trial of the efficacy of carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1995; 206 (06) 807-811
• 9 Renner C, Medl N. Multi-ligamentous injury of the carpus with dislocation of the ulnar styloid in a dog. Vet Rec Case Rep. 2021 9. 03
• 10 Comerford EJ, Doran IC, Owen MR. Carpal derangement and associated carpal valgus in a dog. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2006; 19 (02) 113-116
• 11 Bristow PC, Meeson RL, Thorne RM. et al. Clinical comparison of the hybrid dynamic compression plate and the castless plate for pancarpal arthrodesis in 219 dogs. Vet Surg 2015; 44 (01) 70-77
• 12 Guilliard MJ. Enthesiopathy of the short radial collateral ligaments in racing greyhounds. J Small Anim Pract 1998; 39 (05) 227-230
• 13 Shetye SS, Malhotra K, Ryan SD, Puttlitz CM. Determination of mechanical properties of canine carpal ligaments. Am J Vet Res 2009; 70 (08) 1026-1030
• 14 Miller A, Carmichael S, Anderson TJ, Brown I. Luxation of the radial carpal bone in four dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2008; 31 (03) 148-154
• 15 Palierne S, Delbeke C, Asimus E. et al. A case of dorso-medial luxation of the radial carpal bone in a dog. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2008; 21 (02) 171-176
• 16 González-Rellán S, Fdz-de-Trocóniz P, Barreiro A. Ultrasonographic anatomy of the dorsal region of the carpus of the dog. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2021; 62 (05) 591-601
• 17 Tobolska A, Adamiak Z, Głodek J. Clinical applications of imaging modalities of the carpal joint in dogs with particular reference to the carpal canal. J Vet Res (Pulawy) 2020; 64 (01) 169-174
• 18 Gunstra AL, Steurer JA, Dixon BC, Siebert RL. Description and outcome of prosthetic ligament placement for stabilization of medial or dorsomedial tarsometatarsal joint luxation in dogs and cats: 16 cases (2004-2017). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019; 255 (03) 336-344
• 19 Martin Y, Johnson MD, Travers CJ, Colee J, McConkey MJ, Banks SA. Biomechanical comparison of four prosthetic ligament repair techniques for tarsal medial collateral ligament injury in dogs. Am J Vet Res 2019; 80 (05) 469-479
• 20 Goin B, Buttin P, Lafon Y, Massenzio M, Viguier E, Cachon T. Biomechanical cyclic loading test of a synthetic ligament fixation system used for intra-articular stabilization of deficient canine stifles. Open Vet J 2022; 12 (03) 341-350
• 21 Jaeger GH, Wosar MA, Marcellin-Little DJ, Lascelles BD. Use of hinged transarticular external fixation for adjunctive joint stabilization in dogs and cats: 14 cases (1999-2003). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005; 227 (04) 586-591
• 22 Beever LJ, Kulendra ER, Meeson RL. Short and long-term outcome following surgical stabilization of tarsocrural instability in dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2016; 29 (02) 142-148
• 23 Meeson RL, Davidson C, Arthurs GI. Soft-tissue injuries associated with cast application for distal limb orthopaedic conditions. A retrospective study of sixty dogs and cats. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2011; 24 (02) 126-131