Abstract

Medical records of dogs that underwent CUE procedure using a caudo-medial approach over 3 years period were reviewed. In total 52 CUE procedures were performed in 44 dogs. Complications occurred in total in 11 cases (21 %) including major complications in 8 cases (15 %) and minor complications in 3 cases (6 %). The most common major complication (n = 5) was persistent lameness and pain between 6-12 months post operatively, followed by intraoperative fracture of radius or ulna (one case each) and septic implant loosening. Compared to total elbow arthroplasties CUE can be considered as a safe procedure with significantly lower complication rates. The caudo-medial approach provides an excellent access to the medial compartment and decreased the overall and minor complication rates. Findings of contact lesions and extension of subchondral bone defects after surgery warrant a further investigation and adaptation of the implant design.

Key words: Canine Unicompartmental Elbow, CUE, Medial Compartment Disease