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

Objective-To report a technique for fluoroscopically guided closed reductio n 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 stabil ized with transcondylar screws and Kirschner wires. Closed reduction and im plant placement were achieved using intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance. A fter fracture repair, postoperative radiographs were evaluated for articula r alignment and implant placement. Dogs were evaluated after surgery by mea ns 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 availabl e for 9 patients from 9 to 21 months after surgery. All of the fractures ha d healed. One minor (wire migration) and one major (implant failure) compli cation 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 asses sment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Fluoroscopic guidance for closed reducti on and internal fixation of FLHC in dogs is an effective technique. (C) Cop yright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.