Elbow Dislocation and Monteggia Fracture in a Pit Bull

At the Veterinarium Clinic of the Agricultural University of Georgia, a pit bull was diagnosed with left elbow luxation and a Monteggia-type fracture in the right limb (left elbow luxation right Monteggia fracture (defined as a proximal 1/3 ulna fracture with an associated radial head dislocation).

Several months ago, the patient underwent surgical intervention: left elbow surgical management using circumferential suture prostheses, right elbow surgical management using circumferential suture prostheses and ulnar fracture surgical management using Tension Band technique.

As with any surgery, complications are possible, and it is crucial for the surgeon to manage them correctly. Implant infection is a common occurrence in modern surgery and can be caused by various factors. Risk factors include the patient’s immune system condition, surgery duration, pre-existing chronic infections, and biofilm formation, which complicates antibiotic treatment, among others. In this case, due to implant infection, the implants were removed after the healing process was completed. According to international best practices, clinics with an infection rate of less than 5% in such surgeries are considered to have good infection control standards.

The surgery was performed by our clinic’s Chief Veterinarian and Head of the Surgical Department, Dr. Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, who has exceptional experience in treating complex orthopedic injuries. He was assisted by veterinarian Barbare Kurtsikidze, while anesthesiologist Natia Robakidze ensured the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

The post includes pre- and post-operative radiographic images that clearly illustrate the severity of the fracture before the intervention and the significant improvement achieved after the surgery.

The patient's rehabilitation was successful, and he is currently in good health. See the attached photo.