Evaluation of a Canine Total‐Elbow Arthroplasty System: A Preliminary Study in Normal Dogs

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Abstract
Objective—Short‐term, in vivo evaluation of a total‐elbow arthroplasty (TEA) system in normal dogs.Study Design—Prospective evaluation comparing pre‐ and postoperative findings.Animals—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.Clinical Relevance—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.

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