Evaluation of post-operative complications, outcome, and long-term owner satisfaction of elbow arthrodesis (EA) in 22 dogs

PLoS One. 2021 Jul 30;16(7):e0255388. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255388. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to report post-operative complications and outcomes in canines undergoing elbow arthrodesis (EA) with fixation techniques including bone plate fixation with a non-locking dynamic compression plate (DCP), bone plate fixation with a locking plate (LCP), and external skeletal fixator (ESF). Medical records of twenty-two cases that underwent EA between January 2009-December 2019 from 8 referral hospitals including both private practice and academic institutions were reviewed. Post-operative complications were classified as either minor or major, surgical evaluations were performed 8 weeks post operatively, and a follow-up questionnaire was sent to owners. Of the total 22 cases that met inclusion criteria, a total of 19/22 cases had complications, 12 major and 7 minor. Complications reported in 8/9, 7/9, and 4/4, for the DCP, LCP, and ESF fixation groups, respectively. Mild to moderate mechanical lameness was identified at surgical evaluation in 16/22 cases. Complete radiographic bone healing was achieved after 9 weeks in 19/22 cases. Long term owner follow up was available in 14/22 cases. Owners reported a good to normal quality of life in 13/14 cases and poor in one case. The majority of owners (11/14) reported good to excellent satisfaction with the outcome irrespective of persistent lameness. This study demonstrates that successful EA can be achieved using a variety of fixation methods, but persistent lameness is expected and complication rate is high.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthrodesis*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dog Diseases / surgery*
  • Dogs
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint* / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Postoperative Period

Grants and funding

The author(s) receive no specific funding for this work.