Traumatic partial elbow luxation in a dog

Abstract

Traumatic partial elbow luxation (unilateral medial humeroulnar) was diagnosed in a 2.5-year-old crossbreed dog. Previous reports of traumatic elbow luxation in the dog described lateral and less frequently medial humeroradioulnar luxations. The treatment consisted of closed reduction of the affected joint under general anaesthesia. The functional outcome was excellent.

Ultrasonographic and Anatomic Study of the Canine Elbow Joint

“…This diagnostic imaging technique has been supported as a tool for screening elbow joints with soft tissue pathology in people and also in dogs; for example, in cases of subclinical flexor enthesiopathy which, in its early stages, affects soft structures without radiographic changes . Ultrasonography could be used as a diagnostic technique for pathology that involves the collateral ligaments such as the elbow luxation or subluxation which implies laxity or rupture of the lateral collateral ligament of the canine elbow joint . We observed in high detail the proximal and distal attachments of the lateral collateral ligament as hypoechoic structures with hyperechoic lines and dots within.…”

Bi‐Oblique Dynamic Proximal Ulnar Osteotomy in Dogs: Reconstructed Computed Tomographic Assessment of Radioulnar Congruence over 12 weeks

“…The elbow is also a highly congruent articulation; the ulnar anconeal process and notch match perfectly with the humeral olecranon fossa and the humeral trochlea respectively. The low recorded instance of elbow luxation in dogs, and the high success rate of closed reduction are testament to intrinsic congruence . Moreover, ligaments play an important passive stabilization role.…”

Caudal Elbow Luxation in a Dog Managed by Temporary Transarticular External Skeletal Fixation

“…Manipulation of the joint after reduction demonstrated a normal range of flexion and extension. Stability was assessed with Campbell's test [11]. Pronation of greater than 60 degrees was achievable with the elbow and carpus in 90 degrees of flexion and exceeded the angles achievable in the contralateral limb.…”