Short-term outcome after total elbow arthroplasty in dogs with severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis

Michael G. Conzemius, Rhonda L. Aper, Lisa B. Corti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective - To evaluate limb function in client-owned dogs before and after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA). Study Design - Prospective clinical evaluation comparing limb function before and after surgery. Animals - Twenty adult, large breed dogs with elbow OA. Methods - Physical, radiographic, and force platform gait examinations were performed on all dogs before surgery. TEA was performed, and examinations were repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Pre- and postoperative findings were compared. Results - TEA led to a satisfactory outcome in 16 dogs. In dogs with a satisfactory outcome, function in the operated limb increased over time, with mean peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) 1 year after surgery being nearly twice the presurgical value. Serious complications encountered included infection (n = 2), luxation (n = 1), and fracture of the humeral condyle (n = 1). Conclusions - Although TEA, as presented, has significant limitations, it can be successfully performed in dogs with naturally occurring elbow OA. Improvements in technique and implant design should lead to improved prognosis. Clinical Relevance - Based on 1-year data, TEA can be successfully performed in dogs and should be considered as a treatment alternative for adult dogs with lameness from severe OA of the elbow joint.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)545-552
Number of pages8
JournalVeterinary Surgery
Volume32
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
From the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Supported by grants from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Center for Applied Technology Development. Presented at the Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society, Park City, Utah, March 2002. Address reprint requests to Michael G. Conzemius, DVM, PhD, Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010. Dr. Aper’s current address is The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210. Dr. Corti’s current address is Garden State Veterinary Specialists, One Pine Street, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753. © Copyright 2003 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons 0161-3499/03/3206-0007$30.00/0 doi:10.1053/jvet.2003.50069

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