İLKER ŞEN, MUSTAFA YALÇIN
European Journal of Multidisciplinary Health Sciences - 2025;10(2):158-162
Elbow joint luxation is a rare orthopedic lesion in cats, most commonly resulting from traumatic events. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an artificial ligament stabilization technique using cortical screws in combination with cerclage wires or non-absorbable suture materials for the treatment of luxations of the Articulatio cubiti in cats. The study included 12 cats of various ages, sexes, and breeds that were clinically and radiographically diagnosed with elbow luxation. Open reduction was performed under general anesthesia, and stabilization was achieved by placing cortical screws in the lateral epicondyle, proximal radius, and olecranon, which were then interconnected in a figure-of-eight pattern using cerclage wire or non-absorbable suture. Postoperative management included administration of analgesics and antibiotics, along with the application of a soft bandage for 10 days. All cases were monitored clinically and radiographically for 45 days. Complete recovery was observed in 11 cases, while mild lameness persisted in one case. No reluxation or surgical complications were noted in any of the animals. These results suggest that lateral elbow luxation is the most commonly encountered form in cats, and the described surgical technique provides effective stabilization and favourable clinical outcomes. Therefore, the use of cortical screw and cerclage-based artificial ligament reconstruction may represent a viable and effective alternative for the treatment of elbow luxations in feline patients.
