Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to report the complication of lateral radial head subluxation
following proximal ulnar osteotomy (PUOO) or proximal ulnar ostectomy (PUOE) in eight
dogs.
Materials and Methods Case records and diagnostic imaging of dogs developing lateral radial head subluxation
following PUOO (n = 7) or PUOE (n = 2) were retrospectively reviewed. Information pertaining to clinical history, signalment,
presenting condition, lameness grade, diagnostic imaging and initial surgery details,
postoperative complications and their management were retrieved. Outcomes were established
from subsequent clinical histories or telephone interviews with referring veterinarians.
Comparison was made to a single-centre cohort without lateral radial head subluxation
following PUOO or PUOE.
Results Eight dogs (median age: 9.5 months [range: 6 months–6 years], median weight 7.7 kg
[range: 5–28 kg]) were included. Six dogs had a PUOO performed; five dogs had unilateral
surgery and one had bilateral surgery. Two dogs had unilateral PUOE surgery. Median
time to diagnosis of lateral radial head subluxation following surgery was 6.5 weeks
(range: 2–20 weeks). Five of the eight dogs had surgical revision of lateral radial
head subluxation. Resolution of lateral radial head subluxation was achieved in four
dogs, with three achieving acceptable to good mobility. One dog had poor postoperative
mobility. A fifth dog remained lame after revision surgery failure. Three dogs did
not have revision surgery; two underwent limb amputation and one dog remained lame
as revision surgery was declined.
Clinical Significance Lateral radial head subluxation is a potentially severe postoperative complication
following PUOO or PUOE.
Keywords
proximal ulnar osteotomy - proximal ulnar ostectomy - radial head subluxation - complication
