Lateral Approach and Plate Rod Sliding Humeral Osteotomy in Dogs—A Short Case Series

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Fragmented medial coronoid process is one of the most common diseases within the medial elbow joint compartment in dogs. Sliding humeral osteotomy was designed to translate the proximal humerus laterally, shifting the mechanical axis between the shoulder and carpus toward the lateral compartment of the elbow joint. A newly proposed technique using a lateral approach and plate/rod sliding humeral osteotomy was performed in five dogs. Lameness scores were improved in all dogs. This study might contribute to treatment strategies for medial compartment disease in dogs by offering an easier approach. ABSTRACT: Five dogs of different breeds and ages were diagnosed with medial compartment disease of the elbow (MCDE). To resolve the condition, a modified technique using a lateral approach and plate/rod sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) was considered. All dogs recovered uneventfully after surgery. There were no major complications, and all dogs were significantly improved compared to pre-operative condition. This novel technique of adding a pin, based on the alteration of the original technique, optimized resistance to fixation failure. An additional benefit was that the lateral approach was surgically familiar and easily allowed bone grafting. All five dogs treated with the novel approach had improved scores for pain and lameness. This study showed that SHO was more stable and less technically demanding with the addition of an intramedullary pin. This is the first report of a lateral approach and plate rod sliding humeral osteotomy to treat MCDE in dogs.