Biceps, Brachialis, and Triceps

Tendon injuries at the elbow affect mostly the distal biceps and can progressively degenerate over time or rupture in an acute event. The degree of retraction may depend on the integrity of the lacertus fibrosus, a fibrous expansion that merges with the forearm flexor fascia. Biceps disorders are frequently associated with fluid or synovitis of the adjacent bicipital bursa; primary bursal disorders (primary inflammatory synovitis) can also be observed. Distal triceps is less frequently injured than the distal biceps, and tears usually manifest as distal ruptures with avulsion of a small flake of bone from the tip of the olecranon. Brachialis injuries are uncommon and the consequence of sudden muscle stretching during forced elbow hyperextension, as in posterior elbow luxation.

Repair of a Divergent Elbow Dislocation with Distal Ulnar Fracture in a Dog Using TightRope and External Skeletal Fixation

The aim of this study was to report the outcome in a 6-year-old male English Setter dog that suffered a combination of divergent elbow dislocation and open distal ulnar fracture. This study is a case report. After surgical reduction in the elbow luxation, the dog was treated with the TightRope fixation system used as replacement of the lateral collateral ligament, a radioulnar positional screw, and external skeletal fixation. Removal of all implants was performed 3 months postoperatively. The 6-month follow-up visit found the dog without lameness, displaying normal activity, and with normal elbow range of motion and normal Campbell's test. Successful surgical management was achieved with good long-term results using TightRope, a positional screw, and an external skeletal fixator.