Canine shoulder luxation refers to the dislocation of the humeral head from the glenoid cavity of the scapula, resulting in joint dysfunction and pain. Depending on the direction of dislocation, it can be classified as medial, lateral, anterior, or posterior, with medial luxation being the most common.

Previously, we shared a case of shoulder luxation in a poodle treated with a titanium plate combined with anchors. This time, through the case of another poodle named Dangdang, we focus on the practical application and remarkable outcomes of using HealFix titanium anchor and GripLoc PEEK anchor in treating medial shoulder luxation.

Basic Information

Name: Dangdang

Breed: Poodle

Weight: 10 kg

Age: 4 years

Chief Complaint: Right forelimb non-weight-bearing lameness since the afternoon of July 13, 2025

History of Present Illness: Shoulder instability with palpable crepitus at the elbow. Under sedation, palpation revealed increased abduction angle in the right shoulder joint. X-ray showed joint space widening on the medial side.

Medical History: Occasional right forelimb lameness on December 4, 2022; repeated lameness on January 26, 2025.

Preoperative Evaluation

Preoperative Measurement

▲ Palpation revealed shoulder instability and elbow crepitus. Under sedation, increased abduction angle of the right shoulder was noted. The affected limb had a preoperative angle of 128°, while the contralateral limb was approximately 137°.

Preoperative X-ray Examination

▲ X-ray showed widening of the medial joint space.

Treatment Plan

Surgical Technique

Medial stabilization of the shoulder joint using one HealFix titanium anchor and one GripLoc PEEK anchor.

Dr. Wu Zhongheng simplified the traditional "2 titanium anchors + 1 PEEK anchor" approach by using only 1 titanium anchor + 1 PEEK anchor, achieving excellent postoperative results.

▲ HealFix titanium anchor

▲ GripLoc PEEK anchor

▲ Procedure

The HealFix titanium anchor features an innovative dual-thread design that significantly enhances bone fixation strength. Combined with the knotless and easy-to-use GripLoc PEEK anchor, the two components work together to offer an optimized and comprehensive solution for ligament repair in veterinary shoulder surgeries.

Postoperative Outcome

► Postoperative Imaging

► Video on Postoperative Day 3

● Discussion & Conclusion

Currently, treatment options for canine shoulder luxation include conservative therapy, biceps tendon transposition, and arthrodesis. Conservative therapy is suitable for mild instability but often has limited effectiveness. Biceps tendon transposition enhances joint stability by repositioning the tendon, while arthrodesis is reserved for cases with severe joint damage or chronic luxation.

The innovative combination of HealFix titanium anchor and GripLoc PEEK anchor offers a groundbreaking solution for ligament repair:

HealFix, with its dual-thread structure, provides superior bone anchorage, effectively resisting tensile and rotational stresses.

GripLoc, with its advanced knotless design, significantly simplifies the surgical procedure and improves operative efficiency.

This synergistic system not only fills the technical gap in existing treatments but also provides clinicians with a reliable and convenient surgical option.

Special thanks to Dr. Wu Zhongheng from Guangzhou Boshi Animal Hospital for sharing this case!