Ununited anconeal process: lag-screw fixation with proximal ulnar osteotomy

Summary

Controversy exists as to the clinical outcome in dogs undergoing treatment of an ununited anconeal process. This is particularly true if the dog is seven months of age or more at the time of surgery. Long-term outcome of four cases having undergone lag screw fixation in combination with a proximal ulnar osteotomy as treatment for ununited anconeal process is presented. Age at the time of initial surgery ranged from six to 8.5 months. Time from surgery to final clinical and radiographic evaluation ranged from 23 months to 40 months. Clinical outcome was excellent in all cases with each dog showing an excellent return of limb function and no evidence of pain, crepitus, or joint effusion. Radiographic evaluation showed fusion of the anconeal process with minimal to no progression of osteoarthritis. Results in these cases support the use of lagscrew fixation in concert with an ulnar osteotomy as a treatment method for ununited anconeal process in dogs.

Long-term outcome (23 to 40 months) of surgical treatment of ununited anconeal processes with a proximal ulnar osteotomy and lag screw fixation is evaluated in four cases. Clinical outcome was excellent in all cases; there was no evidence of pain, crepitus, or joint effusion. Final radiographic evaluation showed fusion of the anconeal process with minimal to no progression of osteoarthritis.

Keywords

Ununited anconeal process - ulnar osteotomy - elbow incongruity - lag screw - elbow dysplasia

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