Grant Amount: $12,042

Dr. Ursula Krotscheck, DVM, Cornell University

March 1, 2012 - February 28, 2013

Sponsor(s): Estate of Christine Vachuska, National Amateur Retriever Club

Breed(s): -All Dogs

Disease(s): Elbow Dysplasia

Research Program Area: Musculoskeletal Conditions and Disease

Abstract

Fragmented coronoid process (FCP) is a source of forelimb lameness, pain, and reduced mobility in young large breed dogs. Unequal growth of two of the three bones that compose the elbow joint (radius and ulna) is believed to overload a small bony protuberance (the medial coronoid process of the ulna, MCP) leading to fracture and resulting in FCP. Removal of this fragment is the treatment of choice. Traditionally, surgeons have removed a small segment of ulna, thereby allowing it to essentially 'sink', resulting in lower pressures. The traditional ulnar cut for this procedure is performed towards the top of the bone and stabilized with a pin inserted down into the bone. Dogs can have complications from this pin, including formation of a fluid pocket, discomfort, and the need for pin removal. Recently, an ulnar cut performed further down the leg that does not require pin stabilization has been described. With this study, Dr. Krotscheck will describe the contact pressures within the normal elbow joint, the incongruent elbow joint, and after treatment of the incongruity with one of the two ulnar cutting methods (top of the ulna with pin placement or bottom of the ulna without pin placement). As a result of this study they will determine the most effective method of relieving the pressure within the joint that can then be used in clinical practice to decrease or inhibit arthritis formation long-term.

Publication(s)

Two publications are currently in preparation.