scholarly journals Elbow lameness in dogs of six years and older

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. R. Bergenhuyzen ◽  
I. Gielen ◽  
H. van Bree ◽  
L. Duchateau ◽  
B. Van Ryssen ◽  
...  

Summary Objectives: To report on the frequency and distribution of lesions of the medial coronoid process in dogs of six years of age and older, and to describe the arthroscopic findings in the affected joints. To compare those lesions seen in ‘old’ dogs with those seen in ‘young’ dogs between the ages of five and 18 months. Methods: A retrospective study of dogs six-years-old and older admitted for elbow lameness and subsequent elbow arthroscopy. The dogs were divided into groups according to the lesions of the medial coronoid process diagnosed during arthroscopic examination and computed tomography (CT). The radio-graphic degree of osteoarthritis (OA) and arthroscopically diagnosed lesions on the medial humeral condyle are described. Results: In 51 ‘old’ dogs, five types of lesions could be identified on arthroscopy and CT: chondromalacia-like lesions (2%), fissures (27.5%), non-displaced fragments (12%), displaced fragments (27.5%), and erosions within the medial compartment without fragmentation (31%). A significantly different distribution of lesions was seen in ‘young’ dogs: fissures (23%), non-displaced fragments (45%), displaced fragments (29%), and erosions within the medial compartment without fragmentation (3%). No difference in radio-graphic degree of OA was seen between the two groups. Clinical significance: This study demonstrates the relatively high incidence of medial coronoid disease in dogs older than six years of age, and it highlights one particular problem in ‘old’ dogs: the complete erosion of the medial compartment.

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-92
Author(s):  
E. Coppieters ◽  
Y. Samoy ◽  
P. Pey ◽  
T. Waelbers ◽  
B. Van Ryssen

Medial compartment disease (MCD) is a recently recognized elbow disorder in dogs and refers to extensive cartilage erosions of the medial compartment of the elbow joint. This report describes a case of MCD in a 10- month-old Large Munsterlander that was presented with right frontleg lameness. Based on signalement, history and radiographic examination, there was a strong suspicion of a fragmented coronoid process (FCP) of the right elbow. However, arthroscopic examination revealed extensive cartilage erosions of the medial part of the humeral condyle and the medial coronoid process in addition to a small coronoid fragment (FCP) and a small OCD-like lesion. After the arthroscopic treatment, the dog did not improve. Neither did additional treatment with autologous conditioned plasma (Arthrex ACP®) lead to a substantial improvement. Finally, the dog was euthanized because of persistent lameness.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (03) ◽  
pp. 211-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Agthe ◽  
I. A. Schaafsma ◽  
A. P. Moores

SummaryObjectives: To determine the prevalence of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) and other osseous abnormalities of the elbow in English Springer Spaniels with no history of lameness.Methods: Prospective observational study of English Springer Spaniels with no recent history of lameness. Computed tomography scans of both elbows were obtained from dogs older than six months of age which were anaesthetized or sedated for reasons unrelated to this study. Computed tomography scans were reviewed for the presence of IOHC and other abnormalities of the elbow. Radioulnar incongruity (RUI) measurements from normal elbows were compared to elbows with IOHC and elbows with medial coronoid process (MCP) abnormalities.Results: Computed tomography scans from 50 dogs (100 elbows) were reviewed. The prevalence of IOHC was 14% (8 elbows in 7 dogs). All condylar fissures were incomplete with a mean length of 2.6 mm. Fifty percent of the dogs (44% of elbows) had abnormalities of the medial coronoid process and 60% of the elbows had periarticular osteophytes. Group RUI meansurements for IOHC and MCP were not significantly different from normal elbows.Clinical significance: Small IOHC fissures, periarticular osteophytes and MCP abnormalities may be identified in English Springer Spaniels without forelimb lameness. Abnormalities of the MCP are more common than IOHC.Presented in part at the BVOA Spring Meeting, Birmingham, UK, March 2011.


2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (05) ◽  
pp. 340-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Samoy ◽  
E. Coppieters ◽  
L. Mosselmans ◽  
B. Van Ryssen ◽  
E. de Bakker

SummaryObjectives: To investigate the possibilities and limitations of arthroscopy to detect flexor enthesopathy in dogs and to distinguish the primary from the concomitant form.Materials and methods: Fifty dogs (n = 94 elbow joints) were prospectively studied: dogs with primary flexor enthesopathy (n = 29), concomitant flexor enthesopathy (n = 36), elbow dysplasia (n = 18), and normal elbow joints (n = 11). All dogs underwent an arthroscopic examination of one or both elbow joints. Presence or absence of arthroscopic characteristics of flexor enthesopathy and of other elbow disorders were recorded.Results: With arthroscopy, several pathological changes of the enthesis were observed in 100% of the joints of both flexor enthesopathy groups, but also in 72% of the joints with elbow dysplasia and 25% of the normal joints. No clear differences were seen between both flexor enthesopathy groups.Clinical significance: Arthroscopy allows a sensitive detection of flexor enthesopathy characteristics, although it is not very specific as these characteristics may also be found in joints without flexor enthesopathy. The similar aspect of both forms of flexor enthesopathy and the presence of mild irregularities at the medial coronoid process in joints with primary flexor enthesopathy impedes the arthroscopic differentiation between primary and concomitant forms, requiring additional diagnostic techniques to ensure a correct diagnosis.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (06) ◽  
pp. 498-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Labruyère ◽  
J. F. Bardet ◽  
E. G. Gasch

SummaryObjective: The purpose of this study was to describe computed tomography (CT) features of the ununited anconeal process and relate them with the following elbow dysplasia signs: medial coronoid disease, medial humeral condyle changes, osteoarthritis (OA), and radioulnar incongruence.Methods: Computed tomographic images of dogs older than six months with an ununited anconeal process were evaluated (n = 13). Ununited anconeal process features were described as being complete or incomplete, and the degree of displacement, volume, and presence of cysts and sclerosis were also evaluated. Medial coronoid disease was defined as an irregular medial coronoid process shape, presence of sclerosis and fragmentation. Medial humeral condyle changes were defined as subchondral bone flattening, lucencies, and sclerosis. Osteoarthritis was graded depending on the osteophytes size. Radioulnar incongruence was measured on a sagittal view at the base of the medial coronoid process.Results: Eleven elbows had a complete and two had an incomplete ununited anconeal process. All ununited anconeal processes had cystic and sclerotic lesions. Seven ununited anconeal processes were displaced and six were non-displaced. Mean ununited anconeal process volume was 1.35 cm3 (0.61 cm3 – 2.08 cm3). Twelve elbows had signs of medial coronoid disease (4 of them with a fragmented medial coronoid process), and one elbow did not show any evidence of medial coronoid disease. Ten elbows had medial humeral condyle changes. One elbow had grade 1 OA, seven elbows had grade 2, and five elbows grade 3. All elbows had radioulnar incongruence: three elbows had a negative and 10 elbows had a positive radioulnar incongruence. Mean radioulnar incongruence was 1.49 mm (0.63 mm – 2.61 mm). Computed tomographic findings were similar in the majority of the elbows studied: complete ununited anconeal processes with signs of medial coronoid disease, positive radioulnar incongruence, high grade of OA, sclerotic medial humeral condyle changes, and large ununited anconeal process volumes.Clinical significance: Incomplete small ununited anconeal process volumes could be associated with a lower incidence of medial coronoid disease or medial humeral condyle changes. We recommend performing preoperative CT of elbows with an ununited anconeal process to evaluate concurrent lesions.


2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (05) ◽  
pp. 383-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Lesser ◽  
S. T. Kranz

SummaryObjective: To assess movement of ulnar segments radiographically, following proximal and midshaft ulnar osteotomy or ostectomy after arthroscopic treatment for dogs diagnosed with medial coronoid disease.Methods: Fragmentation and cartilage wear were treated arthroscopically and the presence of incongruity confirmed. Osteotomies were performed at the mid-point or proximal third of the length of the ulna. The distance of separation between the ulnar segments and the adjacent radius were measured and followed by serial radiographs postoperatively until healing had occurred.Results: Proximal oblique osteotomies located at one-third the length of the ulna were associated with the most movement of the ulnar segments, most notably of the proximal segment. Osteotomies or ostectomies performed in the middle demonstrated less segmental movement and on average, slightly longer time to heal. Movement of the ulnar segments in both groups occurred immediately, and then peaked at two to four weeks postoperatively, tending to plateau thereafter.Clinical significance: Radioulnar incongruity is considered a facet of the aetiopatho-genesis of canine medial coronoid disease. This creates abnormal loads and focal wear along the medial coronoid process. Performing an oblique osteotomy at a location measured at the proximal third of the length of the ulna allows increased movement of the proximal segment, which may result in unloading of the medial compartment. Performing an osteotomy or ostectomy distally dampens segmental movement due to constraint of the interosseous ligament. These findings suggest that a proximal oblique osteotomy at this location creates immediate favourable movement with low morbidity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 257-263
Author(s):  
M. Dallago ◽  
E. De Bakker ◽  
E. Coppieters ◽  
J. Saunders ◽  
I. Gielen ◽  
...  

In this case report, the occurrence of medial coronoid disease (MCD) is described in an elevenyear- old Labrador retriever. A left frontleg lameness had started six months before presentation. Radiographs showed minimal pathology and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a discrete fissure of the medial coronoid process. Arthroscopy confirmed the presence of a coronoid lesion, visible as chondromalacia. Treatment was performed by arthroscopic removal of the diseased cartilage and subchondral bone. Despite the successful procedure, the dog needed continuous physiotherapy to maintain an acceptable gait. MCD is a developmental disorder mainly affecting young large breed dogs. However, the described dog was already eleven years old. Nevertheless, the duration of lameness was rather short and the imaging and arthroscopic findings could not demonstrate a chronic problem. In the literature, little information is available about the etiology, prevalence and treatment outcome of medial coronoid pathology in old dogs.


2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 168-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Crews ◽  
T. Saveraid ◽  
M. G. Conzemius ◽  
R. B. Martin

Summary Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of incomplete ossification of the contralateral humeral condyle (IOHC) in mature dogs with unilateral, atraumatic humeral condylar fracture (HCF), and to determine the sensitivity of radio-graphs as a diagnostic tool for IOHC. Methods: Computed tomography and radio-graphs were obtained for both elbows of 14 dogs with unilateral HCF. The images were evaluated by two boarded radiologists and the prevalence of IOHC in the limb contralaterla to the HCF was identified. Sensitivity and specificity of the radiographic diagnosis of IOHC were determined. Results: Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle was present in six of 14 dogs, however IOHC was incomplete in three of the six affected dogs. Plain radiographs had a sensitivity of 0.83 (CI 95%: 0.36 to 0.99) and specificity of 1 (CI 95%: 0.60 to1). The Kappa coefficient between radiologists for radio-graphic examination was 0.714. Of the Spaniel breeds, four out of eight had IOHC in the limb contralateral to the HCF. Clinical significance: Computed tomography evaluation is more sensitive than radiographs for diagnosis of IOHC, particularly when assessing partial or incomplete IOHC. However, sensitivity of radiographic diagnosis is good and should be adequate in most cases. Clinical suspicion of IOHC in the contralateral limb to the unilateral HCF should be present however overall frequency may not be as high as previously reported.


2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-241
Author(s):  
Eric C. Hans ◽  
W. Brian Saunders ◽  
Brian S. Beale ◽  
Don A. Hulse

ABSTRACT Fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (FCP) is an uncommon cause of thoracic limb lameness in toy and small breed dogs. Arthroscopic findings and treatment remains poorly described. The objective of this study was to describe the arthroscopic findings and short-term outcome following arthroscopic treatment in toy and small breed dogs with FCP. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Arthroscopic findings were available from 13 elbows (12 dogs). Outcome data ≥4 wk postoperatively were available for nine elbows. Owner satisfaction scores were available for 10 elbows. Common preoperative findings included lameness, elbow pain, and imaging abnormalities consistent with FCP. Displaced FCP was the most common FCP lesion identified. Cartilage lesions at the medial coronoid process were identified in 92.3% of elbows (n = 12), with a median Outerbridge score of 4 (range 1–5). Concurrent cartilage lesions of the medial humeral condyle were identified in 76.9% of elbows (n = 10). Seven of nine elbows had full or acceptable function postoperatively. Median owner outcome satisfaction was 91% (range 10–100). FCP should be considered a cause of thoracic limb lameness in toy and small breed dogs. Arthroscopy can be safely and effectively used to diagnose and treat FCP in these breeds.


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