Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Joint fit improves in dysplastic dog elbows after bone surgery
By Böttcher, Peter et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2013·Department of Small Animal Medicine, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Estimation of joint incongruence in dysplastic canine elbows before and after dynamic proximal ulnar osteotomy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with elbow dysplasia underwent a surgery called dynamic proximal ulnar osteotomy (DPUO) to improve their joint alignment and reduce pain. Before the surgery, these dogs had noticeable joint issues, including a misalignment of the bones in their elbows. After the surgery, follow-up imaging showed that the joint alignment improved significantly, particularly at one part of the elbow, leading to better joint function. The dogs experienced less joint incongruence and a more even joint space, which likely helped them move more comfortably.
People also search for: dog elbow dysplasia treatment · dynamic proximal ulnar osteotomy for dogs · dog joint surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize joint incongruence in dysplastic canine elbows before and after dynamic proximal ulnar osteotomy (DPUO). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical, prospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 10; 12 elbows) with ≥ 2 mm radioulnar incongruence (RUI), FCP, and/or OCD. METHODS: Computed tomography in a nonload bearing position was used to generate in silico 3D models of the elbow joint before DPUO, and this was repeated after DPUO union (median 3 months postoperatively). On these models, RUI, humeroradial and humeroulnar subchondral joint space width (SJSW) as well as alignment of the proximal ulnar segment were investigated. RESULTS: RUI at the medial coronoid process (MCP) decreased (P = .001), while it increased at the lateral coronoid process (P = .0005), and remained unchanged at the level of the trochlear ridge (P = .25). SJSW at the MCP increased (P = .001), changing from focal joint space collapse preoperatively to a more homogeneous pattern of moderate SJSW at follow-up. The proximal ulnar segment rotated in all 3 planes with caudal tipping at the level of the osteotomy and varus deformity, while no axial translation could be noted. CONCLUSIONS: DPUO results in reduction of RUI and amelioration of focal contact area at the MCP. This effect is the result of a complex three-dimensional rotation of the proximal ulnar segment, rather than axial shift.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23458354/