Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25(01): 61-66
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-04-0059
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Linear-circular external skeletal fixation of intra-condylar humeral fractures with supracondylar comminution in four cats

H. R. Silva
1   University of Edinburgh, Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Small Animal Hospital, Easter, Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
,
D. N. Clements
1   University of Edinburgh, Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, Small Animal Hospital, Easter, Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
,
R. Yeadon
2   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Greenhills Rural Enterprise Centre Tilford Road , Tilford, Surrey, United Kingdom
,
N. Fitzpatrick
2   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Greenhills Rural Enterprise Centre Tilford Road , Tilford, Surrey, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 20 April 2011

Accepted: 29 July 2011

Publication Date:
18 December 2017 (online)

Summary

Objectives: Intra-condylar humeral fracture with supracondylar comminution in cats is rare, and the stabilisation for such fractures is challenging. The purpose of our study was to describe the use of a hybrid external skeletal fixator, and to report the complications and outcomes of this surgical technique.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of clinical, radiographic and surgical records of all cats with intra-condylar humeral fractures and non-reconstructable supracondylar comminution stabilized by linear-circular external skeletal fixator in two institutions between January 2005 and March 2010.

Results: Four cats met the inclusion criteria of the study. All cases achieved fracture union and clinical outcome was considered excellent at the time of the final assessment (11 – 24 weeks).

Clinical significance: This study demonstrates that a linear-circular fixator system can be used successfully in the management of intra-con dylar humeral fractures with non-reconstructable supracondylar comminution in cats.

 
  • References

  • 1 Vannini R, Smeak DD, Olmstead ML. An epidemiological study of 151 distal huneral fractures in dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1988; 24: 531-536.
  • 2 Macias C, Gibbons SE, McKee WM. Y-T humeral fractures with supracondylar comminution in five cats. J Small Anim Pract 2006; 47: 89-93.
  • 3 Bardet JF, Hohn RB, Rudy RL. et al. Fractures of the humerus in dogs and cats. A retrospective study of 130 cases. Vet Surg 1983; 12: 73-77.
  • 4 Anderson TJ, Carmichael S, Miller A. Intercondylar humeral fracture in the dog. A review of 20 cases. J Small Anim Pract 1990; 32: 237-442.
  • 5 McKee WM, Macias C, Innes JF. Bilateral fixation of Y-T humeral condyle fractures via medial and lateral approaches in 29 dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2005; 46: 217-226.
  • 6 Guerin SR, Lewis DD, Lanz OI. et al. Comminuted supracondylar humeral fractures repaired with a modified type I external skeletal fixator construct. J Small Anim Pract 1998; 39: 525-532.
  • 7 Kirkby KA, Lewis DD, Lafuente MP. et al. Management of humeral and femoral fractures in dogs and cats with linear- circular hybrid external skeletal fixators. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2008; 44: 180-197.
  • 8 Piermattei DL. The thoracic limb. In: An Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones and Joints of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed.. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders; 1993: 150-153.
  • 9 Piermattei DL. The thoracic limb. In: An Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones and Joints of the Dog and Cat. 3rd ed.. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders; 1993: 176-177.
  • 10 Denny HR. The humerus. In: Coughland A, Miller A. editors. BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Fracture Repair and Management. Cheltenham: BSAVA Publications 1998; 171-195.
  • 11 Fox SM, Bray JC, Guerin SR. et al. Antebrachial deformities in the dog: treatment with external fixation. J Small Anim Pract 1995; 36: 315-320.
  • 12 Marcellin-Little DJ, Deyoung DJ, Ferris KK. et al. Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in spaniels. Vet Surg 1994; 23: 475-487.
  • 13 Vannini R, Smeak DD, Olmstead ML. Evaluation of surgical repair of 135 distal humeral fractures in dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1988; 24: 537-545.
  • 14 Lewis DD, Radasch RM, Beale BS. et al. Initial experience with the IME™ circular external skeletal fixation. Part I: use in fractures and arthrodeses. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1999; 12: 108-117.
  • 15 Anderson GM, Lewis DD, Radasch RM. et al. Circular external fixation stabilisation of antebrachial and crural fractures in 25 dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2003; 39: 479-498.
  • 16 Farese JP, Lewis DD, Cross AR. et al. Use of IMEX SK-Circular External Fixator Hybrid Constructs for Fracture Stabilization in Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2001; 38: 279-289.
  • 17 Clarke SP, Carmichael S. Treatment of distal diaphyseal fractures using hybrid external skeletal fixation in three dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2006; 47: 98-103.
  • 18 Cross AR, Lewis DD, Rigaud S. et al. Effect of various distal ring-block configurations on the bio-mechanical properties of circular external skeletal fixators for use in dogs and cats. Am J Vet Res 2004; 65: 393-398.
  • 19 Aron DN, Foutz TL, Keller WG. et al. Experimental and clinical experience with an intramedullary pin external fixator tie-in configuration. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1991; 4: 86-94.
  • 20 Bromson DG, Samchukov ML, Birch JG. Stabilization of a short juxta-articular bone segment with a circular external fixator. J Pediatr Orthop B 2002; 11: 143-149.
  • 21 Paley D. Biomechanics of the Ilizarov external fixator. In: Bianchi-Maiocchi A, Aronson J. editors. Operative Principles of Ilizarov. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1991: 33-41.
  • 22 Langley-Hobbs SJ, Straw M. The feline humerus. An anatomical study with relevance to external skeletal fixator and intramedullary pin placement. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2005; 18: 1-6.
  • 23 Aron DN, Dewey CW. Application and postoperative management of external skeletal fixators. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 1992; 22: 69-97.
  • 24 Langley-Hobbs SJ, Carmichael S, McCartney WT. Use of external skeletal fixators in the repair of fe-moral fractures in cats. J Small Anim Pract 1996; 37: 95-101.
  • 25 Langley-Hobbs SJ, Carmichael S, McCartney WT. External skeletal fixation for stabilisation of comminuted humeral fractures in cat. J Small Anim Pract 1997; 38: 280-285.