TATE© canine elbow replacement surgery

Elbow arthritis is a common debilitating condition that affects many dogs of all ages, most often as a consequence of elbow dysplasia. Until recently surgical options aimed at alleviating pain and improving elbow range of motion in severe cases of osteoarthritis were limited to arthrodesis (fusion) of the elbow and an older version total elbow replacement surgery for dogs, which was very invasive with unreliable and generally disappointing outcomes.

Early in 2009 a new novel form of elbow resurfacing arthroplasty surgery utilising a minimally invasive technique which replaces the worn out joint surface, has become available in the UK - The TATE© elbow replacement.

Langford Veterinary Services are now one of only a handful of practices in the UK who's surgeons are certified by the implant system designers to perform this surgery.

1. The TATE© implant cartridge that is used to resurface the elbow joint

2. A customised jig is used to define the centre of rotation of the elbow joint.

3. A motorised milling arm is used to remove the articular surfaces of the radius, ulna and humerus.

4. A post operative radiograph showing the TATE© implant in place