Presumptive congenital radial head sub-luxation in a shih tzu: successful management by radial head ostectomy

Congenital radial head sub-luxation was diagnosed in a 7-month-old, neutered male shih tzu that presented with a limb deformity and severe lameness of the right fore limb. Radiography revealed a craniolateral sub-luxation of the right radial head, which was treated by radial head ostectomy, fixation of the radius to the ulna with a screw and joint stabilisation with suture-anchors and cerclage wire. Surgical treatment followed by physiotherapy resulted in a fully functional, well-aligned and non-painful elbow. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case report of a congenital radial head sub-luxation in a craniolateral direction in a dog and also one successfully managed with radial head ostectomy and radioulnar synostosis.