Objective: To report a case of unilateral lateral coronoid process fragmentation in a dog treated via lateral elbow arthroscopy portals.
Animal: A 9-month old male intact English Bulldog.
Study design: Case report.
Methods: The dog presented with a history of intermittent right thoracic limb lameness. Orthopedic examination on presentation was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the right thoracic limb was pursued and revealed a mineralized focus along the lateral margin of the lateral coronoid process as well as sclerosis of the medial coronoid process and subtrochlear region of the ulna. Elbow arthroscopy was performed via a lateral approach and revealed chondromalacia of the entire lateral coronoid process. Abrasion arthroplasty of the lateral coronoid process was performed.
Results: Complete resolution of the lameness was achieved within two weeks of surgery. At 6 weeks postoperatively, the dog remained sound and a gradual return to normal activity was recommended. At the final follow up assessment, 5 months after surgery, no abnormalities were found on orthopedic examination and the owners reported excellent limb function with no observable lameness.
Conclusion: Lateral coronoid disease can occur as a rare component of elbow dysplasia in dogs. Abrasion arthroplasty via lateral arthroscopic portals may have resulted in a successful outcome in this case and may form an effective treatment option for lateral coronoid disease in dogs.
