Diagnostic imaging and successful outcome of a lateral collateral ligament desmitis of the elbow joint

A 13-year-old Belgian jumping mare was presented with acute onset of severe left forelimb lameness after a jumping competition. Radiographic evaluation showed the presence of periosteal bone formation on the lateral radial eminence, while ultrasonography revealed an injury of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow associated with severe proliferative synovitis of the humeroradial joint. The rehabilitation program consisted of hand walking for 5 weeks and a progressive increase in the duration of controlled exercise for an additional 16 weeks. Therapeutic ultrasound and pulsed electromagnetic field were also applied. Repeated radiographic and ultrasonographic images after 6 weeks showed a smoother outline and more homogenous radiopacity of the insertional pathology, resolution of the oedema of the soft tissue, and improvement in the joint distension, ligament size and echogenicity. No signs of elbow osteoarthritis were noted. The horse returned to its normal activity 22 weeks after the time of diagnosis. Injuries of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow are rare and are reported as traumatic and with a poor prognosis. This case demonstrated that a lesion of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow can result in a favourable prognosis for return to athletic activities.