Management of Elbow Luxation in Dogs and Cats: An Overview

: Luxation of the elbow has been frequently reported in dogs and cats. It can occur in several forms lateral, medial, caudal luxation or Monteggia fracture. Several methods have been used for management of elbow luxation including closed or open reduction in combination with temporary joint immobilization. The later can be achieved via external coaptation, trans-articular pinning of external skeletal fixation. Although external coaptation is easy to apply and noninvasive, re-luxation, pressure sore, and decreased range of joint motion are the most reported complications. Transarticular pinning technique is simple based on fixation of the olecranon to the distal third of the humeral body. But it’s invasive, requires excessive soft tissue dissection, and a second surgery for its removal. Transarticular external skeletal fixation can be applied to the elbow in the form of rigid, hinged, or elastic fixation. Such technique is minimally invasive, allow easy access to skin wounds, and most of the fixation devices maintained outside the body. However, pin tract infection, premature pin losing and/or breakage, and bone fracture are the most common associated complications. This report reviews current fixation techniques used for stabilization of the elbow and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.