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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1996; 09(03): 115-8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632515
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Elbow Arthrodesis in Twelve Dogs

J. J. de Haan
1   From Affliated Veterinary Specialists P. A., Winter Park, Florida
,
S. C. Roe
2   Department of Companion Animal and Special Species Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
,
D. D. Lewis
3   Depaitment of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
,
W. C. Renberg
4   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech and University of Maryland, Blacksburg, Virginia
,
S. C. Kerwin
5   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
,
T. N. Bebchuk
1   From Affliated Veterinary Specialists P. A., Winter Park, Florida
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received for publication 31 October 1995

Publication Date:
23 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

Clinical results of unilateral elbow arthrodesis were retrospectively reviewed in 12 dogs. Variables evaluated included signalment, indications for arthrodesis, surgical technique, elbow angle following the operation, complications, and final functional outcome. The elbow joint should be rigidly immobilized ideally using a bone plate applied to the caudal aspect of the humerus and ulna. The optimal angle of the elbow following arthrodesis appears to be 130° to 140°. Elbow arthrodesis is a salvage procedure, which can result in acceptable function of the limb, but mechanical lameness, due to inability to flex and extend the joint, remains in all animals that have undergone the operation.

Clinical results of unilateral elbow arthrodesis were retrospectively reviewed in twelve dogs. Results indicated that the elbow joint should be rigidly immobilized at an angle of 130° to 140°, ideally using a bone plate applied to the caudal aspect of the humerus and ulna. Elbow arthrodesis is a salvage procedure, which can result in acceptable function, but abnormal gait remains in all dogs.

Keywords

Elbow - arthrodesis - dogs
 

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