Elbow Dysplasia- Fragmented Medial Coronoid
What is a Fragmented Coronid Process?
Fragmented coronoid process (FCP) is a developmental condition
that affects the elbows of large and giant breed dogs, particularly
retrievers, Rottweilers, mastiffs, Burnese Mountain dogs, and
German shepherd dogs. The cause of this condition is thought
to be multifactorial meaning that it is causes by a a number of
factors including, genetics, nutrition, and whats called asynchronise
growth of the radius and ulna. Fissures or fragmentation
of the medial coronoid process of the ulna thus can result from
abnormal stresses placed on the developing coronoid process .
How can I tell if my dog may have FCP?
Clinical signs are usually noted after five months of age. Subtle weight-
bearing lameness, that gets worst with prolonged rest or exercise, is
typical. As lameness persists, it may increase in severity. Dogs that
have this condition will sometime often hold there front paw in an
exaggerated valgus (turned out " position when sitting or standing.
How is FCP diagnosed?
An orthopedic examination can detect subtle front limb lameness as well
as discomfort with elbow manipulation that are indicative of FCP.
Radiographic evaluation of the elbows is also needed in the diagnosis of
FCP. Abnormalities in the area of the anconeal process, ulnar notch and
radial head are indicative of FCP.
Definitive diagnosis of FCP as well as treatment can be done
arthroscopically using minimally invasion technique. The fragment can
removed using arthroscopy and the cartilage of the elbow joint is
carefully evaluated. The site were the FCP was removed from is debrided
to allow fibrocartilage resurfacing of the area. Areas of deep cartilage
wear can be treated with a technique called microfracture which
stimulates the formation of fibrocartilage and healing.
Please visit our page on post-op care for more information
Fragmented coronoid process (FCP) is a developmental condition
that affects the elbows of large and giant breed dogs, particularly
retrievers, Rottweilers, mastiffs, Burnese Mountain dogs, and
German shepherd dogs. The cause of this condition is thought
to be multifactorial meaning that it is causes by a a number of
factors including, genetics, nutrition, and whats called asynchronise
growth of the radius and ulna. Fissures or fragmentation
of the medial coronoid process of the ulna thus can result from
abnormal stresses placed on the developing coronoid process .
How can I tell if my dog may have FCP?
Clinical signs are usually noted after five months of age. Subtle weight-
bearing lameness, that gets worst with prolonged rest or exercise, is
typical. As lameness persists, it may increase in severity. Dogs that
have this condition will sometime often hold there front paw in an
exaggerated valgus (turned out " position when sitting or standing.
How is FCP diagnosed?
An orthopedic examination can detect subtle front limb lameness as well
as discomfort with elbow manipulation that are indicative of FCP.
Radiographic evaluation of the elbows is also needed in the diagnosis of
FCP. Abnormalities in the area of the anconeal process, ulnar notch and
radial head are indicative of FCP.
Definitive diagnosis of FCP as well as treatment can be done
arthroscopically using minimally invasion technique. The fragment can
removed using arthroscopy and the cartilage of the elbow joint is
carefully evaluated. The site were the FCP was removed from is debrided
to allow fibrocartilage resurfacing of the area. Areas of deep cartilage
wear can be treated with a technique called microfracture which
stimulates the formation of fibrocartilage and healing.
Please visit our page on post-op care for more information
Debridement of FCP via arthroscopy
FCP seen using arthroscopy
