Summary
Introduction: Partial resurfacing of the humeral head has been reported in humans to treat humeral
osteochondritis dissecans. The aim is to describe a custom-made humeral resurfacing
prosthesis for treatment of severe humeral head osteochondritis dissecans in a dog.
Case report: A seven-month-old female entire St. Bernard dog was presented with a 10 week history
of severe left thoracic limb lameness. Radiography, arthroscopy and magnetic resonance
imaging confirmed an extensive osteochondritis dissecans lesion affecting the caudal,
medial and central regions of the humeral head. A prosthesis designed from computed
tomography (CT) images was manufactured in polished stainless steel alloy with a hydroxyapatite
coated base and central finned humeral stem for cementless insertion. A standard caudal
approach to the shoulder was used to place the prosthesis following reaming of the
caudal humeral head.
Results: Radiography and CT imaging revealed appropriate topographical placement on the humerus.
Force plate analysis demonstrated initial reduction in ground reaction force at six
weeks, followed by gradual improvement at three months. There was no radiographic
evidence of implant loosening and the range of shoulder joint motion was comparable
to the contralateral joint at three months; these findings were maintained to final
follow-up at 24 months.
Clinical significance: Placement of a humeral head resurfacing prosthesis was an effective technique for
the management of severe osteochondritis dissecans-related shoulder lameness. To the
authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the clinical use of shoulder hemiarthroplasty
in a dog.
Keywords
Dog - humerus - shoulder - hemiarthroplasty - osteochondritis dissecans