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Shetler et al: The use of lateral arthroscopy portals for the management of bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the radial head in an English bulldog
Veterinary Surgery 8, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Bilateral radial head OCD lesions were identified in a 6-month-old English Bulldog with elbow lameness.
  • Medial arthroscopic portals allowed only partial visualization of radial head lesions, insufficient for treatment.
  • Lateral arthroscopy portals provided excellent access for fragment removal and abrasion arthroplasty.
  • Histopathology confirmed OCD, showing cartilage degeneration and retained cartilaginous cores.
  • Dog showed complete resolution of lameness and no elbow pain at 5 months post-op.
  • Lesions were caudolateral on the radial head, with discoid elevation of cartilage and clefts.
  • Lateral approach avoids major neurovascular structures, reducing iatrogenic risk.
  • The authors suggest lateral elbow arthroscopy may have broader indications, including for medial compartment disease or synovial biopsies.

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← Articles

Shetler et al: The use of lateral arthroscopy portals for the management of bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the radial head in an English bulldog
Veterinary Surgery 8, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Bilateral radial head OCD lesions were identified in a 6-month-old English Bulldog with elbow lameness.
  • Medial arthroscopic portals allowed only partial visualization of radial head lesions, insufficient for treatment.
  • Lateral arthroscopy portals provided excellent access for fragment removal and abrasion arthroplasty.
  • Histopathology confirmed OCD, showing cartilage degeneration and retained cartilaginous cores.
  • Dog showed complete resolution of lameness and no elbow pain at 5 months post-op.
  • Lesions were caudolateral on the radial head, with discoid elevation of cartilage and clefts.
  • Lateral approach avoids major neurovascular structures, reducing iatrogenic risk.
  • The authors suggest lateral elbow arthroscopy may have broader indications, including for medial compartment disease or synovial biopsies.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Shetler 2022 et al., on radial head OCD, what was the main advantage of the lateral arthroscopic approach over the standard medial approach?

A. Improved access to medial coronoid lesions
B. Better visualization of the humeral condyle
C. Decreased surgical time
D. Improved access to the caudolateral radial head
E. Lower risk of infection

Answer: Improved access to the caudolateral radial head

Explanation: Medial portals did not allow access to the OCD lesion, which was located on the caudolateral aspect of the radial head.
In Shetler 2022 et al., on radial head OCD, which of the following was reported at the 5-month postoperative follow-up?

A. Mild persistent lameness
B. Partial improvement with continued elbow pain
C. Marked muscle atrophy of the thoracic limb
D. Complete resolution of lameness and elbow pain
E. Progression of elbow dysplasia

Answer: Complete resolution of lameness and elbow pain

Explanation: The patient returned to normal activity and showed no pain on exam.
In Shetler 2022 et al., on radial head OCD, what surgical technique was used after fragment removal?

A. Bone grafting and plate stabilization
B. Abrasive curettage of the humeral condyle
C. Arthrodesis of the elbow joint
D. Abrasion arthroplasty until bleeding bone exposed
E. Radio-ulnar ostectomy

Answer: Abrasion arthroplasty until bleeding bone exposed

Explanation: This technique promotes fibrocartilage healing and is standard after OCD flap removal.
In Shetler 2022 et al., on radial head OCD, what feature characterized the OCD lesions arthroscopically?

A. Erosion of the ulnar notch
B. Central necrosis of the humeral condyle
C. Discoid elevation of cartilage with a cleft
D. Complete separation of the radial head
E. Loose bodies in the olecranon fossa

Answer: Discoid elevation of cartilage with a cleft

Explanation: This classic appearance described a partially detached OCD flap.
In Shetler 2022 et al., on radial head OCD, what confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans in this case?

A. Histopathology showing retained, degenerative cartilage
B. CT showing medial coronoid fragmentation
C. X-ray evidence of joint effusion
D. Clinical history of trauma
E. Persistent elbow swelling

Answer: Histopathology showing retained, degenerative cartilage

Explanation: Retention of cartilage cores and degeneration confirmed the OCD diagnosis.

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