Canine elbow arthroplasty has advanced considerably over the past two decades, with two systems emerging to address different stages of disease: the Tate Total Elbow, designed for end-stage degeneration, and the Kyon Elbow Replacement, developed for medial compartment pathology. Both remain under limited clinical release while undergoing ongoing evaluation. Instrumentation has played a central role in their refinement. The Tate introduced the “mill-and-drill” technique, allowing simultaneous resurfacing of the humerus, radius, and ulna without intramedullary preparation, and has since been updated to improve stability, alignment control, and precision. The Kyon implant employs a positioning system to define the central axis of rotation (COR), guiding reamers for accurate implant placement. Implant designs have evolved in parallel. The Tate progressed from cobalt-chrome with sintered beads to titanium components manufactured with additive processes and integrated lattice structures, improving fixation, load distribution, and wear resistance. The Kyon implant has been adapted to address loading issues, with improved angle-stable fixation, with incremental refinements addressing complications and enhancing outcomes. Future directions include patient-specific instrumentation, advanced materials, and novel surface technologies to promote osseointegration and extend implant longevity. Both systems illustrate continuous innovation to improve precision, durability, and clinical performance.
