Lateral Closing Wedge Ostectomy of the Distal Humerus for the Treatment of End-Stage Medial Compartment Disease of the Canine Elbow: A Case Study

Sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) has been shown to improve lameness in dogs with end-stage medial compartment disease (MCompD) of the elbow by shifting load to the lateral compartment. However, SHO can have major complications including implant failure and fracture. A medial opening humeral wedge osteotomy has been shown in cadaveric specimens to reduce load in the medial compartment. A lateral closing wedge may similarly reduce load in the medial compartment, does not require specialized equipment, and may have a lower risk of major complications than SHO as complete bone apposition can be maintained. We report on a 4.5-year-old female spayed Boxer mix diagnosed with MCompD by radiography and nano-arthroscopy. A 10-degree lateral closing wedge ostectomy of the distal humerus was performed using a 6-hole 3.5 locking plate. Objective gait analysis using a TekScan pressure-sensitive walkway was performed prior to surgery and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Radiographs were obtained at these same time points. The bone healed routinely and no major or minor postoperative complications were reported. Subjectively the patient’s lameness improved steadily over this year and achieved an acceptable outcome. Objectively, the peak vertical force increased from the time of surgery (25 N as %bodyweight) to 3 months (36 N as %bodyweight) and further by 12 months (47 N as %bodyweight). This case report indicates that a lateral closing wedge ostectomy of the distal humerus has the potential to improve function over the mid to long term for dogs with medial compartment disease.

Acknowledgment

None.

Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025