Lateral Approach for Distal Articular Fractures of Humerus in Canines-A Review of 4 Cases

Abstract

Background: Humeral condylar fractures have fracture lines that extend through the joint surface and through one or both epicondyles or epicondylar crests, or into the distal shaft. Addressing the distal articular Humeral fractures in dogs through lateral approach by using positional transcondylar screws. Methods: A total of four cases of dogs with different age groups, breeds and sex with fore limb lameness caused due to trauma were included in the study. Clinical and standard radiological examination of all revealed intercondylar fractures with reduced range of motion where the fracture of the condyle extending from the articular surface. After preoperative evaluation all the animals were subjected to surgical reduction by lateral approach under general anaesthesia using positional transcondylar screws (n=2) with or without K-wires in cross fashion (n=2). This approach avoided the necessity of olecranon osteotomy and triceps tenotomy with their associated complications. Result: Excellent limb utility was obtained during postoperative period by clinical and radiographical grading system. To conclude, the use of fully threaded cortical screws was found effective for surgical management of distal humeral condylar fractures in dogs via lateral exposure.