Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Long-term results and risks of screw surgery for dog elbow fractures
By Low, Daniel et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2024·frank. Pet Surgeons., United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Long-Term Outcome and Complications after Transcondylar Screw Placement for Canine Humeral Intracondylar Fissure.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with a condition called humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF), which can cause elbow pain and difficulty moving, underwent surgery where a screw was placed to stabilize the bone. After the surgery, some dogs experienced minor complications, but overall, the procedure had a low complication rate of about 17.5%. Most dogs showed good long-term outcomes, with no significant issues affecting their recovery. This surgery seems to be a safe option for treating HIF in dogs, leading to improved mobility and comfort.
People also search for: dog elbow pain surgery · humeral intracondylar fissure treatment · dog recovery after elbow surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to report postoperative complications and long-term outcomes following transcondylar screw placement for humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF). STUDY DESIGN:  It was a retrospective single-centre case series. Medical records (2018-2022) were reviewed for dogs with HIF treated with transcondylar screw placement. Data collected included signalment, concurrent orthopaedic disease, partial or complete HIF, surgeon, surgical approach, surgical technique and implant type, transcondylar screw angulation, postoperative complications and outcomes. Long-term outcome was assessed with owner questionnaire, orthopaedic examination and follow-up radiography. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors predisposing to a complication or a poor outcome. RESULTS:  Forty-seven dogs (57 elbows) met the inclusion criteria; long-term follow-up was available in 41 dogs (50 elbows). Minor and major medical complications were noted in seven and three elbows respectively. The total complication rate was 17.5%. Increasing age was significantly associated with a reduced risk of postoperative complications ( = 0.0051). No other risk factors were identified. A postoperative complication was not associated with a less than full outcome ( = 0.5698). CONCLUSION:  Transcondylar screw placement for HIF is associated with a low complication rate and good outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38190989/