How CT scans help place elbow screws in dogs with bone fissures

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical use of preoperative computed tomography (CT) planning and a novel aiming guide to place humeral transcondylar screws in dogs with humeral intracondylar fissures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Measurements from preoperative CT scans were used to identify entry and exit points of the screw. These points were identified at surgery using anatomical landmarks and measurements from articular surfaces. An aiming device was used to place transcondylar positional locking screws from medial to lateral. Assessment of position within the humeral condyle was made from postoperative orthogonal radiographs. Clinical records were reviewed and short-term postoperative complications recorded. RESULTS: Forty-five locking screws were placed in the elbows of 32 dogs. Seven different breeds of differing sizes were included, predominantly English springer and cocker spaniels. Screws placed were either 5.0-mm or 2.7-mm locking screws. All screws were placed within the humeral condyle and no screws required repositioning. No intraoperative complications were encountered. Short-term postoperative complications were recorded in three elbows (1 minor, 2 major medical and 0 major surgical). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This technique offers a safe, reliable and repeatable minimally invasive technique to place transcondylar locking screws in dogs with humeral intracondylar fissure. A wide variety of breeds and sizes of dogs show the technique to be versatile.