Humeral Condylar Fractures in French Bulldogs: Prevalence of Contralateral Intracondylar Fissure, Treatment, and Outcome

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to report (1) the prevalence of contralateral humeral intracondylar GAP/HIF (HIF) in French Bulldogs with humeral condylar fractures (HCF) and (2) treatment and short- and long-term outcome in French Bulldogs with HCF.

Materials and Methods Medical records of French Bulldogs treated surgically for HCF between January 2011 and November 2022 were reviewed. Perioperative imaging, surgical technique, complications, and long-term outcome were assessed.

Results Eighty-nine dogs with HCF were included and 36/89 were diagnosed with HIF. Surgical repair was performed in all HCF and a prophylactic transcondylar screw was placed in 20/36 HIF. For prophylactic transcondylar screw placement, two dogs required immediate revision surgery. Complications occurred in 12/89 HCF, and there were major complications in 6/89 HCF. Long-term outcome evaluated by owner questionnaire (n = 27) was rated as being excellent in 18/27 dogs, good in 8/27 dogs, and fair in 1/27 dogs.

Clinical Significance Forty percent of French Bulldogs with HCF had a contralateral HIF. HIF as a cause of HCF should be considered in the French Bulldog, and a computed tomography (CT) scan of both elbows may be advisable prior to HCF repair. The complication rate of HCF surgery in the French Bulldog is significant.

Keywords

elbow - incomplete ossification - French Bulldog - lameness - stress fracture

Note

The draft of this study was presented as an abstract at the BVOA conference in March 2022.

Authors' Contribution

P.L. contributed to the study design, acquisition of data, and data analysis and interpretation, and drafted and approved the manuscript. L.A. contributed to conception of the study, study design, acquisition of data, and data analysis and interpretation, and drafted and approved the manuscript. L.R. contributed to acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation, and drafted and approved the manuscript. W.M. contributed to data analysis and interpretation and drafted and approved the manuscript. D.A. contributed to conception of the study, study design, acquisition of data, and data analysis and interpretation, and drafted and approved the manuscript.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 15. Mai 2023

Angenommen: 24. Februar 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. April 2024

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