Elbow Arthrodesis Using a Medially Positioned Plate in 6 Dogs

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to report the surgical technique, associated complications and clinical outcome of elbow arthrodesis using a medially positioned plate.

Study Design This was a retrospective case series.

Results Six cases met the inclusion criteria. In all cases, the elbow was approached medially without the requirement for ulnar osteotomy. A non-locking 2.7/3.5- mm pre-contoured elbow arthrodesis plate was applied in 5/6 cases and a 2.0-mm String of Pearls plate applied in one case. The mean angle of arthrodesis was 118° (range: 113–130°). One major intraoperative complication occurred. Three minor and 3 major postoperative complications occurred. Postoperative imaging was available for 5/6 cases. Complete arthrodesis was confirmed by imaging in 4/5 cases, partial progression of arthrodesis was documented in 1/5 cases and no further images were deemed necessary. Postoperative Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs score was available for two cases with scores of 20/52 and 10/52, respectively. Subjective outcomes in the remaining three cases were rated as acceptable more than 1 year postoperatively.

Conclusion Positioning the plate medially for elbow arthrodesis simplified the surgical approach, could be performed with a pre-contoured plate and allowed successful revision of an arthrodesis previously stabilized with a caudally positioned plate. The cases in this series had acceptable outcomes despite a high risk of complications.

Keywords

elbow - arthrodesis - medial plate - angle of arthrodesis - outcome of elbow arthrodesis - dogs

Authors' Contributions

Jessica McCarthy is the primary author, Eithne J. Comerford contributed to manuscript review and editing, and image review. John F. Innes—contributed to manuscript review and editing, case management and performed the procedure. Rob A. Pettitt—contributed to conception of manuscript, supervised manuscript preparation, manuscript review and editing, case management and performed the procedure.

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