EXTERNAL SKELETAL FIXATION FOR STABILIZATION OF COMMINUTED HUMERAL FRACTURES IN CATS

Thirteen feline humeral fractures were stabilised using external skele tal fixation alone or in combination with supplementary devices. Eleve n of the 13 fractures healed. Pins placed in the distal humerus should be angled to avoid the supracondylar foramen and radial nerve. An int ramedullary pin in combination with external skeletal fixation is indi cated for mildly comminuted reconstructable fractures. For severely co mminuted humeral fractures, closed application of an external skeletal fixator may be preferable to open reduction and internal fixation to provide healing and is recommended as an alternative to amputation.