Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Outcomes of the BANC Partial Elbow Arthroplasty

Introduction: The biomechanically anatomical, nonconstrained, compartmental partial elbow arthroplasty (BANC PEA) is a novel system that replaces the medial articular surface while preserving the humeroradial articulation. The objective of this study was to describe the short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes and complications associated with the evolution of the BANC PEA.

Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients who had the BANC elbow arthroplasty performed at a single institution from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and owner assessment was obtained via questionnaire. Association of complications with implant generation was evaluated using Fisher's exact test.

Results: Six BANC PEAs were performed, one each of the 1st through 4th, and two 5th-generation implants. Final evaluation time frames (days) were short-term in 1 dog (173), mid-term in 1 dog (223), and long-term in 4 dogs (539–1,058). At last evaluation, 5 dogs had no elbow pain; mild pain was noted in 1 dog in full flexion.

Lameness improved in all dogs and all had static to improved range of motion. Postoperative complications occurred in 4/6(66.6%) of dogs. Dogs with older generations of implant trended toward having complications (p = 0.067). Three complications required surgical correction (screw (1) or pin (2) removal); one resolved with medical management. Owner assessment indicated that the functionality of the BANC PEA continued throughout their pet's lives in 4/6 dogs.

Discussion/Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the evolution of the BANC PEA implant has resulted in decrease in postoperative complications and that even with revision, dogs have the potential to have improved elbow function with this system.

Acknowledgements: Dr. Wendelburg holds the patent for the BANC PEA prosthesis and method of implantation. There was no funding provided for this project.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 September 2023