The use of radioulnar ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene suture shows promise in surgical treatment of dogs with type 1 congenital elbow luxation.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the surgical outcomes of 4 dogs that received corrective surgery for type 1 congenital elbow luxation (CEL).

Animals: 4 client-owned dogs from a private referral practice (February 2022 through June 2023).

Clinical presentation: 4 dogs presented with left-sided type 1 CEL. Median age was 20 weeks, and median weight was 13.4 kg.

Results: 3 cases showed caudolateral luxation and 1 case showed caudal luxation of the radial head. Two cases were corrected using open reduction and radioulnar ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture. Two cases were corrected by closing radial wedge ostectomy, followed by open reduction and radioulnar UHMWPE suture. Intraoperative complications included incomplete reduction of the radial head in 1 case. No major complications were recorded. Minor complications included dystrophic mineralization at the caudal aspect of the proximal ulna in 2 cases. Full function was achieved in 3 dogs, whereas acceptable function was achieved in 1 dog at a median of 499.5 days.

Clinical relevance: This case series supports that using radioulnar UHMWPE suture, either alone or combined with a closing radial wedge ostectomy, may be an effective way to maintain humeroradial joint reduction in type 1 CEL, with encouraging functional outcomes.