ELBOW DYSPLASIA

Just like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a genetic disease that is not present at birth but manifests itself around seven months to a year of age. There are two forms Ununited Anconeal Process and Fragmented Coronoid Process. In the former the anconeal process of the ulna does not fuse to the ulna and becomes unstable and painful. In the latter, elbow joint incongruity creates a high spot at the coronoid process. Weight bearing concentrates forces on the coronoid and causes stress fractures and eventually a fragment to break off. This causes pain and inflammation in the elbow joint (often both elbows) and causes wearing and damage to the cartilage on both surfaces of the elbow.

Ununited Anconeal process is seen in large and giant breed dogs especially in German Shepherd dogs. One theory for the cause of UAP is slow growth of the ulna placing pressure on the anconeal process preventing fusion of the anconeal growth plate. Therefore if caught early in a young dog, 7 months or less, cutting the ulna relieving this pressure will allow the growth plate to fuse. In older dogs the process can be removed or screwed back in place along with cutting the ulna.

Fragmented coronoid process is treated by removing the fragment, and or part of the coronoid, treating any frayed or eroded cartilage, and relieving pressure on the inside of the joint. These procedures are often performed arthroscopicly through small incisions with specialized equipment. There are a number of procedures for shifting weight to the outside of the joint and relieving pressure on the inside. Cutting of the ulna to allow the coronoid process to shift away from the opposing joint surface or cutting the humerus and shifting it in such a way that weight is born more on the outside are two such procedures. If treated early before there is much damage to the cartilage of the elbow joint the prognosis is good. But, often this is not the case and if there is already significant damage to the cartilage. Then these joints become very arthritic and painful later on in life. In severe cases or arthritis and pain a total elbow replacement is available.