[Arthroscopic removal of the fragmented medial coronoid process in dogs - Evaluation of treatment results with special reference to postoperative computed tomography and residual particles].

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the treatment success of dogs with medial coronoid disease (here: Fragmented Coronoid Process [FCP]) following arthroscopically performed subtotal coronoidectomy by the use of subjective and objective gait analysis and the evaluation of osteoarthritis progression in addition to their correlation with the findings from postoperative computed tomography. In particular, the clinical relevance of residual particles remaining postoperatively was to be evaluated.

Material and methods: Thirty elbows from 24 dogs of different breeds were examined clinically, orthopedically, using gait analysis as well as radiographically at least 6 months after unilateral or bilateral subtotal coronoidectomy. The results were compared with the preoperative findings of the corresponding examinations and postoperative computed tomography.

Results: 79.2% (19/24) of the patients improved by at least one degree of lameness in the orthopedic examination, 66.7% (16/24) were free of lameness. 60% (18/30 joints) showed an increase in the degree of arthrosis. Postoperative computed tomography revealed small residual bone particles (<1 mm) in the joint space or soft tissue in 56.7% (17/30) of the joints. No significant association was evident between residual lameness and residual particles remaining within the joint postoperatively. An association between persistent lameness and progression of arthrosis was also not be demonstrable.

Conclusion: No evidence was apparent supporting a link between residues of small bone particles after arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy and postoperative lameness. The progression of osteoarthritis could not be interrupted despite the surgical intervention.

Clinical relevance: When small residual particles (<1 mm) remain after subtotal coronoidectomy, these do not appear to have any influence on the clinical outcome.