Fluoroscopically guided closed reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the lateral portion of the humeral condyle: prospective clinical study of the technique and results in ten dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To report a technique for fluoroscopically guided closed reduction with internal fixation of fractures of the lateral portion of the humeral condyle (FLHC) and determine the long-term results in 10 clinical cases.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective clinical case study.

ANIMALS: Ten dogs with 11 fractures.

METHODS

Fractures of the lateral portion of the humeral condyle were stabilized with transcondylar screws and Kirschner wires. Closed reduction and implant placement were achieved using intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance. After fracture repair, postoperative radiographs were evaluated for articular alignment and implant placement. Dogs were evaluated after surgery by means of lameness scores, elbow range of motion (ROM), radiographic assessment, and owner evaluation of function.

RESULTS

Postoperative reduction was considered anatomic in 6 fractures with all other fractures having <1.5 mm of malreduction. Follow-up was available for 9 patients from 9 to 21 months after surgery. All of the fractures had healed. One minor (wire migration) and one major (implant failure) complication occurred. Mean lameness scores were 0 (n = 6), 0.5 (n = 2), and 1 (n = 1) at the time of final follow-up. No significant differences were found in follow-up ROM values between affected and unaffected elbows. All of the dogs in this study regained 90-100% of full function, based on owner assessment.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fluoroscopic guidance for closed reduction and internal fixation of FLHC in dogs is an effective technique.