Buried transcondylar locking screws ensure stable fixation and favorable owner-reported outcomes in canine humeral condylar fractures

Abstract

Objective To report the use, complications, and long-term outcomes of a buried transcondylar locking screw for the management of humeral condylar fractures in dogs. Methods Medical records were retrospectively assessed (October 2013 to April 2024) for signalment, fracture configuration, stabilization, complications, and functional outcomes. Screw size relative to condyle height was assessed radiographically. Long-term outcomes were evaluated through the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs score and Moores’ questionnaire. Results 26 dogs were included: 14 with fracture of lateral part and 1 with fracture of the medial part of the humeral condyle, and 11 with T-or Y-shaped (T/Y) fractures. Twenty-six transcondylar screws were placed, with ancillary fixations including plating and/or Kirschner wiring. The median screw-to-condyle height ratio was 0.338. Of the 20 dogs with follow-up, 10 achieved full bone healing, 9 were healing, and 1 had not healed by a median of 43 days. The complication rate was 55%. Five major type I, 2 major type II, and 4 minor complications were recorded. Among the complications, only 1 was directly associated with the transcondylar screw and consisted of screw loosening. Long-term follow-up (range, 356 to 3,739 days) in 15 humeral condylar fractures showed a median Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs score of 1, with most dogs regaining good to excellent mobility. Conclusions The results of this study supported the use of a buried transcondylar locking screw for the management of humeral condylar fractures. Clinical Relevance This method provides stable fixation with minimal specific complications, yielding favorable long-term outcomes based on owner questionnaires.