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
