Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dogs with medial shoulder instability treated by radiofrequency
By Cook, James L et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2005·University of Missouri, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Treatment of dogs diagnosed with medial shoulder instability using radiofrequency-induced thermal capsulorrhaphy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with medial shoulder instability (MSI) were treated with a procedure called radiofrequency-induced thermal capsulorrhaphy (RITC) to help improve their lameness and shoulder function. Most dogs showed significant improvement, with 93% reporting better function after the surgery, and 79% achieving excellent results. The dogs had been experiencing chronic lameness and muscle atrophy in the affected limb, but after the procedure, their shoulder movement angles became more normal. This treatment appears to be a safe and effective option for dogs suffering from this condition.
People also search for: dog shoulder pain treatment · medial shoulder instability in dogs · radiofrequency capsulorrhaphy for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings and outcome in dogs diagnosed with medial shoulder instability (MSI) treated with radiofrequency-induced thermal capsulorrhaphy (RITC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=43) with MSI. METHODS: Medical records from consecutive cases with MSI based on orthopedic examination, palpation of shoulder abduction angles, and arthroscopic findings were used to determine clinical findings and long-term (> or = 1 year) outcome of RITC. RESULTS: Forty-three dogs met the criteria for inclusion; 2 dogs had bilateral MSI. The most common clinical findings were chronic unilateral weight-bearing lameness, large (> 45 degrees) shoulder abduction angles, and spinatus muscle atrophy in the affected limb. Mean preoperative abduction angle (50.7 degrees +/- 4.8 degrees) in affected shoulders was significantly larger than in the unaffected shoulders (32.5 degrees +/- 2.1 degrees). Mean postoperative abduction angle in affected shoulders was not significantly different from unaffected shoulders when measured immediately, 8, 16-20 weeks, and approximately 1 year after surgery. Follow-up evaluation ranged from 1 to 6.2 years. RITC treatment resulted in improved clinical function in 40 cases (93%) with 34 cases (79%) considered excellent; 3 cases (7%) were considered failures. CONCLUSIONS: RITC was a safe and effective method of treatment of MSI in most dogs studied. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RITC can be considered as a viable option for surgical treatment of selected cases of MSI in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16266339/