Evaluation of a canine total-elbow arthroplasty system: a preliminary study in normal dogs.
OBJECTIVE
Short-term, in vivo evaluation of a total-elbow arthroplasty (TEA) system in normal dogs.


METHODS
Prospective evaluation comparing pre- and postoperative findings.


METHODS
Six normal, skeletally mature, large-breed dogs.


METHODS
Physical, radiographic, and force-plate gait examinations were performed on all dogs before surgery. TEA was performed in the dogs using a canine TEA system. Examinations were repeated every 8 weeks for 24 weeks, with an additional examination at 52 weeks. Pre- and postoperative findings were compared.


RESULTS
The TEA led to an excellent outcome in 3 of 6 dogs. Force-plate gait examination found that the dogs continued to improve over time and had a peak vertical force (PVF) in the surgical limb that was 99.6% of normal (range, 95.8% to 106.4%) 52 weeks after surgery. Major problems encountered during the postoperative time period were non-weight-bearing lameness (1 dog), osteomyelitis (1 dog), and fracture of the ulna (1 dog).


CONCLUSIONS
TEA can be successfully performed in dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on 1-year data, TEA can be successfully performed in dogs and could be considered as a treatment alternative for adult dogs with severe osteoarthritis and lameness of the elbow joint.
Conzemius
M G
MG
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames 50010, USA.
Aper
R L
RL
Hill
C M
CM
D000818:Animals; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D005552:Forelimb / Q000601:surgery*; D005684:Gait; D007596:Joints / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values