Retrospective Evaluation of Radiographic Outcome following Surgical Stabilization of Humeral Condylar Y-Fractures in Dogs

Introduction: Humeral condylar “Y” fractures are uncommon, severe intra-articular traumatic injuries involving both humeral condyles. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the outcome of surgical stabilization of “Y” fractures in dogs. We hypothesized that fractures stabilized with bilateral bone plates and screws would have shorter healing times and lower complication rates as compared with fractures stabilized with pins, screws, and/or cerclage wire or a single bone plate combined with adjunctive fixation methods

Materials and Methods: Medical records and radiographs from humeral condylar “Y” fractures surgically stabilized at a single referral center from 2006–2018 were reviewed. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and implants were recorded. Postoperative and follow-up radiographs were reviewed to assess surgical outcome.

Results: 28 humeral condylar “Y” fractures were included. Six fractures were stabilized without plates, 11 with a unilateral plate, and 11 with bilateral plates. Healing time in the unilateral plate group (105 days) was significantly longer than in the bilateral plates group (55 days). Complication rates: no plate (50%), unilateral plate (71%), and bilateral plates (36%) were not significantly different between groups.

Discussion/Conclusion: We partially accepted our hypothesis as the bilateral plate group had a shorter healing time but not a significantly lower complication rate than the unilateral plate or no plate groups. Our results suggest that utilizing bilateral bone plates to stabilize condylar “Y” fractures may provide the most satisfactory outcome.

Acknowledgment: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.