When I first developed an interest in humeral epicondylitis in cats, I had no idea that I would soon be applying that same research to my own health care! I guess, we should be careful what we choose to research!
Meet Rebel, a 3-year-old Maine Coon presenting with bilateral medial humeral epicondylitis, more clinically severe on the right, presenting for surgical intervention just one week after my own surgery for lateral humeral epicondylitis. Both of us are predisposed to development of this condition, Rebel because of his breed, and myself, because of my chosen career.
In the same way that repetitive motions, particularly pronation and supination are proposed to play a role in development of MHE in cats, orthopedic surgeons are considered at high risk for both lateral and medial epicondylitis due to the repetitive, high-force and sometimes awkward hand/wrist movements required 😞
Luckily for Rebel, we were able to shell out his mineralization without having to completely transect the belly of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, so, this should lead to a more rapid recovery for him, and we plan to operate his left side in a few weeks.
Given how my recovery is going - I am just going to say that I am glad mine is only unilateral!
I will say that I think, having experienced the same procedure makes a difference - in terms of empathy, communication and being able to address owner-anxieties … but I am definitely not recommending it! Be careful with ergonomics in surgery to minimize your own risks - while shared experiences can be good, I don’t want to have this particular shared experience with too many of you!
#epicondylitis #sharedexperience #orthopals #mainecoon #msuvets