Treatment of ununited anconeal process in 8 dogs by osteotomy and dynamic distraction of the proximal part of the ulna

Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BMMCs) for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Grade 2 Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP) in Six Dogs: Preliminary Results

The aim of this study was to report the results of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation as a minimally invasive treatment for grade 2 UAP in dogs. This was an observational case series on six German shepherd dogs affected by grade 2 UAP as defined according to their clinical condition as well as radiographic and CT findings. Bone marrow was collected from the iliac crest and the mononuclear fraction was separated with density gradient centrifugation. Cells were suspended in fibrin glue before BMMC administration and implanted via transcutaneous injection under IB or CT guidance, using a spinal needle directly inserted into the ossification centre between the anconeal process and the olecranon. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed for up to 6 months. Microradiographic assessment was performed on one dog that died of other causes. A progressive reduction of pain within 3 weeks after BMMC administration was observed in all dogs, with gradually increased weight bearing on the affected limb. Radiographic and CT follow-up revealed the progressive fusion of the ossification centre at 90 days without any signs of secondary OA. The examination of microradiographs showed newly formed bone tissue in which a residue of calcified cartilage was present at the site of BMMC implantation. On the basis of these results, BMMC therapy for grade 2 UAP may be considered to be an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for dogs.

Arthroscopic-guided ulnar distraction for the correction of elbow incongruency in four dogs

Four skeletally immature, small breed dogs (five elbows) with elbow incongruency were evaluated for forelimb lameness. Findings on clinical examination included pain, effusion and decreased range of motion of the affected elbow. Radiography, computed tomography and arthroscopy demonstrated elbow incongruency in all dogs. Fragmented medial coronoid process was diagnosed arthroscopically in three dogs (four elbows). Arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy was performed in all cases of fragmented medial coronoid process. Incongruency was corrected with acute ulnar lengthening under arthroscopic visualisation. The ulna was stabilised with a plate following correction. In two elbows an ostectomy of the anconeal process was performed to prevent impingement against the olecranon fossa. All dogs demonstrated improvement in lameness scores and client-scored visual analogue scale scores. Postoperative computed tomography showed significant improvement in elbow incongruency in all dogs. Arthroscopic-guided ulnar lengthening may be considered as a valid treatment in severe cases of elbow incongruency.