Summary
A complete palmar antebrachiocarpal luxation due to rupture of the medial collateral
ligament was diagnosed in a cat. Complete antebrachiocarpal luxation in dogs is generally
associated with the disruption of multiple carpal ligaments. A comparative anatomical
study of cadavers of five cats and five dogs revealed that, unlike in dogs, the medial
collateral ligament in cats consists of only one branch, which extends from its dorsoproximal
attachment on the radius obliquely to its palmarodistal attachment on the radial carpal
bone. The oblique course of the ligament likely opposes palmar dislocation of the
radial carpal bone rather than medial opening of the radiocarpal joint.
In this present reported case, adequate joint stability was achieved by replacing
the medial collateral ligament using two 1.5-mm cortical screws and a
3.5 (metric gauge) polypropylene figure-8 suture sling. Minimal signs of osteoarthrosis
developed three months after surgery, but functional outcome at six months was very
satisfactory.
Keywords
Cat - carpus - medial collateral ligament - antebrachiocarpal luxation