Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using a 4.5 mm screw to fix broken elbow bones in dogs
By Moores, A P et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2014·Andy Moores, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Clinical assessment of a shaft screw for stabilization of the humeral condyle in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Labrador was treated for a humeral condyle fracture, which is a break in the elbow area. The dog underwent surgery where a special screw was used to stabilize the fracture. After a follow-up period of over two years, most dogs showed good or excellent use of their limbs, and all fractures healed. While some minor complications occurred, the overall success rate of this treatment was promising, suggesting that using this type of screw can be effective for similar injuries in dogs.
People also search for: dog elbow fracture treatment · Labrador humeral condyle fracture · dog surgery recovery time
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the use of a 4.5 mm shaft screw for the management of humeral condylar fractures (HCF) and incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) in dogs, and to assess risk factors for complications. METHODS: Dogs with HCF or IOHC that were managed with a 4.5 mm shaft screw with a minimum follow-up of six months from surgery were included. Data from the case records were used to identify risk factors for complications. Long-term follow-up was provided by an owner questionnaire and veterinary re-examination. RESULTS: Forty-three elbows were treated in 40 dogs (14 IOHC, 29 HCF). Minor complications were seen in four cases (9%) and major complications in 10 cases (23%). There were no statistically significant risk factors for major complication. Infection resulted in shaft screw removal from three IOHC cases. Four of eight IOHC cases that had a lateral approach had a major complication compared with zero out of six dogs that had a medial approach, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.085). Nine of 12 IOHC cases and 20/23 HCF cases had excellent or good limb use at the time of long-term follow-up (median of 106 weeks, range 26-227 weeks). All fractures healed but IOHC fissure healing was inconsistent. Fatigue failure of shaft screws was not seen. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of shaft screws for the management of IOHC and HCF is associated with a relatively low rate of complications (compared to previous reports) and a good long-term outcome.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24569860/