We propose standardized definitions and criteria for documenting subjective results for clinical orthopedic studies in veterinary medicine. To our knowledge, no common terminology or basis for describing results in this manner has been published. This lack of standardization limits our abilities to communicate study results in a consistent manner, interpret data appropriately, and compare results across studies, centers, and techniques. An initial step toward addressing these deficiencies is to provide clear definitions and criteria for time frames of data collection, subjective outcomes, and complications. These definitions and criteria are recommended for use based on consensus among the authors who have experience and expertise in small animal and equine orthopedic clinical research. Our hope is that this terminology will be implemented so that data collection and reporting are more consistent and effective in veterinary orthopedic reports. BACKGROUND

The diagnostic value and reproducibility of arthroscopy may compare favorably with those of CT when evaluating RUI in dogs with elbow disease.

If RUI is a significant factor in the pathophysiology of medial compartment elbow disease in the dog, it does not appear to be present at the time of diagnosis of disease. Ulnar or radial osteotomies do not appear to be indicated for restoration of normal radioulnar articular surface alignment.

Standard radiographic evaluation for radio-ulnar incongruence in the dog may be associated with relatively poor sensitivity and specificity. Invasive surgical procedures and screening programs that rely on radiographic diagnosis of radio-ulnar incongruence should be discouraged until a more reliable method of diagnosis of this type of elbow joint incongruence is available.

Three distinct contact areas were evident in the elbow joint of dogs. Two ulnar contact areas were detected, suggesting there may be physiologic incongruity of the humeroulnar joint. There was no evidence of surface incongruity between the medial edge of the radial head and the lateral edge of the medial coronoid process.

Application of ventral pins and polymethylmethacrylate is an effective means of surgical treatment for congenital and traumatic AAI.

Objective-To determine medium-term clinical efficacy of sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) for treatment of lameness and elbow pain associated with clinically diagnosed elbow disease featuring cartilage eburnation of the medial elbow compartment (medial compartment disease-MCD). Study Design-Case series. Animals-Dogs (n ¼ 49) with severe or persistent lameness attributable to MCD. Methods-Signalment, lameness history, and preoperative imaging findings were recorded. A custom, locking, stepped SHO plate was applied to the medial aspect of the humerus, stabilizing a middiaphyseal transverse osteotomy, medially translating the distal segment relative to the proximal segment. Three variants of technique of application were used and outcomes compared between respective patient groups. Outcome measures included lameness scoring, anatomic measures, VAS scoring of elbow pain, and owner assessment of function. Measures recorded preoperatively, 12, and 26 weeks postoperatively were compared. Results-Of 59 limbs that had SHO, 39 had preoperative focal treatment of the diseased medial aspect of the coronoid process. Mean AE SD dog age was 45.5 AE 37.48 months and body weight ranged from 13.6 to 46.7 kg. Mean preoperative duration of lameness was 14.7 AE 18.50 months. Lameness improved for all limbs by 26 weeks, and resolved in 21/32 limbs. Significant improvements in postoperative elbow pain scores and most owner assessments of function were observed. Incidence of major complications requiring surgical intervention was 17.2%, 22.2%, and 4.8% for each of the 3 technique variants described. Histologic examination of 2 elbows at 412 months revealed fibrocartilage cover of medial aspect of humeral condyle. Conclusions-Canine SHO with or without focal treatment of the diseased medial aspect of the coronoid process ameliorates lameness and pain associated with MCD at medium-term follow-up. Application technique is critical to minimizing morbidity. Clinical Relevance-SHO is appropriate for clinical management of pain and lameness in select cases of canine MCD. r

Proximal radial shortening, which creates articular step incongruity, changes the location and size of the radioulnar contact areas. Dynamically stabilized ulnar ostectomies proximal to the radioulnar ligament restore contact patterns in vitro.