Surgical management of suspected congenital luxation of the radial head in three dogs

Abstract

Congenital luxation of the radial head is an uncommon condition that has conflicting reports in the literature regarding its cause, heritability, breed predisposition, treatment and prognosis. The three cases here occurred in young dogs of English Bull Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds. Surgical reduction and stabilisation provided successful outcomes, in all cases. Only six cases of congenital luxation of the radial head managed surgically have previously been reported in the literature.

Surgical management of radial head luxation in a dog using an external skeletal traction device

“…Developmental canine radial head luxation is a rare condition that lacks a well-defined treatment method with a consistently successful outcome (14). To date, there are only 16 documented cases of the surgical management of congenital or developmental canine radial head luxation (14,(17)(18)(19).…”

“…Developmental canine radial head luxation is a rare condition that lacks a well-defined treatment method with a consistently successful outcome (14). To date, there are only 16 documented cases of the surgical management of congenital or developmental canine radial head luxation (14,(17)(18)(19). Although these reports share a surgical N. Fitzpatrick et al: Management of radial head luxation with external skeletal traction Figure 6 Orthogonal radiographs of the right elbow taken four months postoperatively.…”

“…Thus, owners should be made aware that there is currently no clear evidence for a beneficial effect of surgical intervention in mildly affected dogs. If surgical intervention is chosen, there is a clear rationale for early intervention (14,(17)(18)(19). Chronic radial head luxation leads to changes in the proximal joint surface of the radius (2).…”

“…The development of pain or progressive subluxation of the elbow might prompt a decision for delayed surgical intervention (13). The counterargument for early surgical intervention focuses on the concept that reduction of the radial head before five months of age will result in better remodelling of the articular cartilage than if surgery is delayed (14). Surgical options fall into broad categories of open reduction and stabilization, radial head ostectomy, and arthrodesis (13).…”

Presumptive congenital radial head sub‐luxation in a shih tzu: successful management by radial head ostectomy

“…Type 1 congenital elbow luxation (CEL), where the radial head is luxated caudolaterally without disruption of the humeroulnar joint (Kene et al 1982, Griffon 2011) is most commonly reported in large breed dogs (Grondalen 1973, Campbell 1979, Kene et al 1982, Milton & Montgomery 1987, Spardari & Romagnoli 2001, Temwichitr et al 2010 with only two reports in small breed dogs including a dachshund and a Jack Russell terrier (Fafard 2006, Clark & Jerram 2010. Affected puppies are reported to have a mild forelimb lameness, which is first noticed at around 3 to 4 months of age and pain on manipulation of the elbow with a reduced range of motion in flexion and extension.…”