Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fixing Y-T humeral condyle fractures in 29 dogs with two-sided surgery
By McKee, W M et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2005·Willows Referral Service·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Bilateral fixation of Y-T humeral condyle fractures via medial and lateral approaches in 29 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in for treatment of fractures in both front legs. The vet used a combination of surgical techniques to reattach the broken parts of the humerus (the bone in the upper front leg) using plates and wires. After surgery, the dog's recovery was monitored, and most showed good to excellent limb function, although some had reduced movement in their elbows. This approach helped minimize complications and provided better stability for the fractures.
People also search for: dog front leg fracture treatment · humeral condyle fracture surgery · dog elbow movement issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe bilateral fixation of Y-T fractures of the humeral condyle via combined medial and lateral approaches, and to determine the technique's clinical and radiographic short-term outcomes. METHODS: Details of 30 consecutive fractures in 29 dogs were reviewed. These included signalment, method of fixation, complications, and follow-up limb function and range of elbow joint motion. RESULTS: The age of the dogs ranged from three months to nine years, and bodyweight ranged from 1.9 to 48 kg. The humeral condyle was reattached to the shaft using medial and lateral bone plates in 18 fractures, a medial plate and lateral Kirschner wire(s) in six fractures, and medial and lateral Kirschner wire(s) in six fractures. Major complications were recorded in four fractures and minor complications in two fractures. Limb function at follow-up was graded as excellent in 12, good in 15 and fair in three fractures. The range of elbow flexion was normal in seven, mildly reduced in 18, moderately reduced in four and severely reduced in one fracture. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In contrast to the caudal approach, combined medial and lateral approaches decrease the extent of periarticular soft tissue dissection, avoid complications associated with olecranon osteotomy and enable exposure of the entire humeral diaphysis for fixation. Bilateral fixation is likely to be better at counteracting bending and torsional forces compared with unilateral fixation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15909444/