Buried transcondylar locking screws ensure stable fixation and favorable owner-reported outcomes in canine humeral condylar fractures.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report the use, complications, and long-term outcomes of a buried transcondylar locking screw for the management of humeral condylar fractures in dogs. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively assessed (October 2013 to April 2024) for signalment, fracture configuration, stabilization, complications, and functional outcomes. Screw size relative to condyle height was assessed radiographically. Long-term outcomes were evaluated through the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs score and Moores' questionnaire. RESULTS: 26 dogs were included: 14 with fracture of lateral part and 1 with fracture of the medial part of the humeral condyle, and 11 with T-or Y-shaped (T/Y) fractures. Twenty-six transcondylar screws were placed, with ancillary fixations including plating and/or Kirschner wiring. The median screw-to-condyle height ratio was 0.338. Of the 20 dogs with follow-up, 10 achieved full bone healing, 9 were healing, and 1 had not healed by a median of 43 days. The complication rate was 55%. Five major type I, 2 major type II, and 4 minor complications were recorded. Among the complications, only 1 was directly associated with the transcondylar screw and consisted of screw loosening. Long-term follow-up (range, 356 to 3,739 days) in 15 humeral condylar fractures showed a median Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs score of 1, with most dogs regaining good to excellent mobility. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study supported the use of a buried transcondylar locking screw for the management of humeral condylar fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method provides stable fixation with minimal specific complications, yielding favorable long-term outcomes based on owner questionnaires.