Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Incomplete humeral condyle bone in opposite leg of 14 dogs with elbow
By Martin, R B et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2010·University of Minnesota, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in the limb opposite humeral condylar fracture: 14 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 14 dogs with a broken elbow (humeral condylar fracture) were examined to see if they also had incomplete ossification of the opposite elbow. This condition was found in 6 of the dogs, with some showing only partial ossification. While regular X-rays were helpful, a CT scan was better at detecting this issue. The findings suggest that if a dog has a fracture in one elbow, vets should check the other elbow for this condition, especially in Spaniel breeds, but it may not be as common as once thought.
People also search for: dog elbow fracture treatment · Spaniel elbow problems · incomplete ossification in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of incomplete ossification of the contralateral humeral condyle (IOHC) in mature dogs with unilateral, atraumatic humeral condylar fracture (HCF), and to determine the sensitivity of radiographs as a diagnostic tool for IOHC. METHODS: Computed tomography and radiographs were obtained for both elbows of 14 dogs with unilateral HCF. The images were evaluated by two boarded radiologists and the prevalence of IOHC in the limb contralateral to the HCF was identified. Sensitivity and specificity of the radiographic diagnosis of IOHC were determined. RESULTS: Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle was present in six of 14 dogs, however IOHC was incomplete in three of the six affected dogs. Plain radiographs had a sensitivity of 0.83 (CI 95%: 0.36 to 0.99) and specificity of 1 (CI 95%: 0.60 to1). The Kappa coefficient between radiologists for radiographic examination was 0.714. Of the Spaniel breeds, four out of eight had IOHC in the limb contralateral to the HCF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Computed tomography evaluation is more sensitive than radiographs for diagnosis of IOHC, particularly when assessing partial or incomplete IOHC. However, sensitivity of radiographic diagnosis is good and should be adequate in most cases. Clinical suspicion of IOHC in the contralateral limb to the unilateral HCF should be present; however overall frequency may not be as high as previously reported.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20422122/