Use of bone anchors for the treatment of partial and complete traumatic elbow luxations: A retrospective case series of three dogs

Abstract

Three dogs presented with traumatic lateral elbow luxation following road traffic accidents. Concurrent injuries included skin abrasions and coxofemoral luxation. All luxations were reduced and stabilised with bone anchors through a lateral approach to the elbow joint and had an augmented or prosthetic lateral collateral ligament placed. One elbow joint was stabilised with FASTak anchor (Arthrex, Karsfeld, Germany) and two with suture anchors by IMEX bone anchor (Veterinary, Longview, TX). Reluxation occurred in one case 24 hours after discharge requiring revision surgery. Median followup time for the three cases was 180 days (range: 49-2920) and the functional outcome was considered excellent in all cases as determined by veterinary assessment, clinical record reviews, owner communication and Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. In conclusion, placement of bone anchors with augmentation of the lateral collateral ligament for management of traumatic elbow luxation in dogs is a good alternative to previously reported surgical techniques.