Arthroscopic, computed tomography, and radiographic findings in 25 dogs with lameness after arthroscopic treatment of medial coronoid disease

OBJECTIVE: To describe the radiographic, computed tomography (CT), and arthroscopic findings in the elbow of dogs admitted for elbow lameness after previous arthroscopic treatment of medial coronoid disease (MCD).

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 25) admitted for elbow lameness after arthroscopic treatment.

METHODS: Clinical records (2005-2009), including radiographs, CT images, and arthroscopic findings, from the first and second presentation of dogs diagnosed with medial coronoid disease were searched and reviewed.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine joints were included in this study. The mean age at first treatment was 2.2 years. Second presentation was at a mean of 2.7 years later and progressive osteoarthritis and cartilage damage was noticed in all joints. Arthroscopic findings included a calcified body in 11/29 joints (38%), multiple small calcified bodies in 1/29 joint (3%), loose scar tissue in 12/29 joints (42%), and immobile scar tissue in 2/29 joints (7%). Three of 29 joints (10%) did not have any calcified body or loose scar tissue found but had erosion of the medial compartment as the only pathology diagnosed in the coronoid region. Characteristics of flexor enthesopathy were identified in 9/29 joints (31%).

CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of MCD, even with limited cartilage lesions, may not resolve lameness in some dogs. Calcified bodies or loose scar tissue near the medial coronoid process are a frequent followup finding in these joints.