Condylar fractures of the humerus in the dog; a review of 133 cases

Abstract

Case histories have been reviewed of 133 dogs with condylar fractures of the humerus. The fractures were divided into three types: lateral condylar, medial condylar and intercondylar. For each type the breed and age prevalence, the cause of fracture, the method of fixation and the results of treatment have been recorded.

Intraosseous stress distribution and bone interaction during load application across the canine elbow joint: A preliminary finite element analysis for determination of condylar fracture pathogenesis in immature and mature dogs

“…Non-fused and fused humeral condyles were compared in flexion and extension (Simulation 2). Overall, the finite element simulation study performed showed that the pathogenesis of condylar fractures is likely to be more complex than what has been described in the literature to date (Bardet et al, 1983;Cockett et al, 1985;Denny 1983;Rorvik 1993;Vannini et al, 1988aVannini et al, , b, 2007. As seen in clinical observations, the highest likelihood was the lateral condylar fracture (clinics 56-67%, finite element analysis 66%-70% of the time).…”

“…As seen in clinical observations, the highest likelihood was the lateral condylar fracture (clinics 56-67%, finite element analysis 66%-70% of the time). Bilateral fractures were expected in 7-18% and medial condylar fractures in 18.5-26% of all scenarios tested (clinical frequency 33-35% and 4-16% respectively) (Bardet et al, 1983;Cockett et al, 1985;Denny 1983;Rorvik 1993;Vannini et al, 1988aVannini et al, , b, 2007.…”

“…Lateral condylar fractures occur most often (56-67%), compared to 33-35% bicondylar and 4-16% medial condylar fractures (Bardet et al, 1983;Cockett et al, 1985;Denny 1983;Rorvik 1993;Vannini et al, 1988aVannini et al, , b, 2007. These types of fracture are reported in dogs of any age (Knight 1959;Rorvik 1993;Shuttleworth 1938), but predominantly in young dogs less than one year in age (Guille et al, 2004;Schebitz et al, 1976;Vannini et al, 1988a, b) with a peak incidence around four months old when ossification of the humeral condyle is not yet completed (Cockett et al, 1985;Denny 1983;Knight 1959). Lateral condylar fractures are often described as the result of minor, indirect trauma (Anderson et al, 1990;Guille et al, 2004;Rorvik 1993;Vannini et al, 1988a,b).…”

“…A breed predisposition seems to be present in Yorkshire Terriers (Cockett et al, 1985;Rorvik 1993), French and English Bulldogs (Rorvik 1993), Pinscher (Rorvik 1993), Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels (Vannini et al, 1988a, b) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (Denny 1983), whereas the incidence of condylar fractures in giant breeds is low (Cockett et al, 1985;Denny 1983). Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle is an important risk factor for condylar humeral fractures in adults and has been described in Cocker Spaniels (Kaderly 1994;Marcellin-Little et al, 1994;Meyer-Lindenberg et al, 2002), Labrador Retrievers (Robin 2001), Rottweilers (Rovesti et al, 1998) and English Pointer dogs (Gnudi et al, 2005).…”

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

“…Open reduction is advocated to ensure anatomic alignment of the articular surface, allow removal of soft tissue and hematoma interposed at the fracture site, and avoid clamp interference with implant placement (ie, placing the drill bit, depth gauge, tap, and screw in the appropriate location when a condylar clamp or reduction forceps is present). Denny, et al 2 reported that 9 of 16 dogs with FLHC treated with an open technique regained full limb function. Shebitz et al 3 reviewed 125 fractures of the condyles including 61 lateral, 5 medial, and 35 T‐Y fractures.…”