Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to describe the surgical procedure and long-term
outcome of traumatic medial shoulder instability in one dog treated with an ultra-high
molecular weight polyethylene implant.
A Fox Terrier had traumatic medial shoulder instability caused by the disruption of
the subscapularis muscle and medial glenohumeral ligament. The joint was stabilized
through a medial approach with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene implant
secured on the glenoid by a cortical button and on the humerus by an interference
screw. Postoperative and follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 2, 4.5 months,
and 2.5 years.
Results The patient bore weight after surgery and resumed normal gait after 2 months. Both
the scapular and humeral tunnels had widened, essentially at their medial entrance,
at 1 month postoperatively.
Entrance diameter increased for 2 months and remained unchanged thereafter. An increase
of 35 degrees in the abduction angle was observed in the long term at the 2.5-year
control with minor osteoarthritis. No implant loosening, medial laxity, excessive
abduction angle, inflammation, or septic reaction were observed.
Conclusion The treatment of this case resulted in a satisfactory clinical outcome despite tunnel
widening. This modified method using an interference screw could thus be considered
as an alternative treatment of medial shoulder instability.
Keywords
dog - interference screw - medial glenohumeral ligament - medial shoulder instability
- synthetic ligament reconstruction
