Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2000; 13(01): 34-38
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632627
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Triceps Tenotomy and Double Plate Stabilization of “Y-T” Fracture of the Humeral Condyle in Three Dogs

C. Sturgeon
1   Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
,
A. M. Wilson
2   Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Herts., Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
,
P. McGuigan
2   Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Herts., Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
,
P. Muir
1   Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
,
T. J. Lawes
3   Department of the Institute of Orthopaedics, University College London, University of London, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 03 April 1999

Accepted 21 July 1999

Publication Date:
09 February 2018 (online)

Summary

Caudal elbow arthrotomy by use of triceps tenotomy was performed for open reduction of “Y-T” fractures of the humeral condyle in three dogs. Stabilization of the fracture was achieved by use of a bone screw inserted with a lag effect to compress the articular fracture and placement of bone plates on the caudolateral surface of the lateral epicondylar crest and the caudomedial surface of the medial epicondylar crest. This construct successfully maintained reduction in all three dogs without implant loosening or breakage. All three of the fractures healed satisfactorily without any evidence of progressive osteoarthritis. Long-term (median - 20 months) function of the affected limb was comparable to the contralateral limb, with little loss of elbow range-of-motion and minimal to an absence of lameness.

Triceps tenotomy was used for open reduction of “Y-T” fractures of the humeral condyle in three dogs. Stabilization of the fracture with a bone screw inserted for lag effect and use of a bone plate on each epicondylar crest resulted in satisfactory healing of the fracture and good limb function in all of the patients.

 
  • REFERENCES

  • 1 Anderson TJ, Carmichael S, Miller A. Intercondylar humeral fracture in the dog: A review of 20 cases. J Small Anim Pract 1990; 31: 437-42.
  • 2 Bardet JF, Hohn RB, Rudy RL, Olmstead ML. Fractures of the humerus in dogs and cats. A retrospective study of 130 cases. Vet Surg 1983; 12: 73-7.
  • 3 Chalman JA, Slocum B. The caudolateral approach to the canine elbow joint. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1983; 19: 637-41.
  • 4 Cimono DBrown, Conzemius MG, Shofer FS. Body weight as a predisposing factor for humeral condylar fractures, cranial cruciate rupture and intervertebral disc disease in Cocker Spaniels. Vet Comp Orthop Traumat 1996; 09: 75-8.
  • 5 Cockett PA, Clayton-Jones DG. The incidence of humeral condylar fractures in the dog: A survey of seventy-nine cases. J Small Anim Pract 1985; 26: 437-44.
  • 6 Denny HR. Condylar fractures of the humerus in the dog; a review of 133 cases. J Small Anim Pract 1983; 24: 185-97.
  • 7 Dueland RT. Triceps tenotomy approach for distal fractures of the canine humerus. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1974; 165: 82-6.
  • 8 Dueland R, Quenin J. Triceps tenotomy : Biomechanical assessment of healing strength. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1980; 16: 507-12.
  • 9 Harari J, Roe SC, Johnson AL, Smith CW. Medial plating for the repair of middle and distal diaphyseal fractures of the humerus in dogs. Vet Surg 1986; 15: 45-8.
  • 10 Lenehan TM, Nunamaker DM. Lateral approach to the canine elbow by proximal ulnar diaphyseal osteotomy. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1982; 180: 523-30.
  • 11 Marcellin-Little DJ, DeYoung DJ, Ferris KK, Berry CM. Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in spaniels. Vet Surg 1994; 23: 475-87.
  • 12 Matthiesen DT, Walter M. Surgical management of distal humeral fractures. Comp Cont Ed Pract Vet 1984; 06: 1027-36.
  • 13 Meyer-Lindenberg A, Ebel H, Fehr M. Fractures of the distal humerus experiences with fracture classification according to Unger et al. (1990). Europ J Comp Anim Pract 1993; 03 no (02) 19-30.
  • 14 Mostosky UV, Cholvin NR, Brinker WO. Transolecranon approach to the elbow joint. Vet Med 1959; 54: 560-8.
  • 15 Palmer RH, Aron DN, Chambers JN. A combined tension band and lag screw technique for fixation of olecranon osteotomies. Vet Surg 1988; 17: 328-32.
  • 16 Piermattei DL, Flo GL. Fractures of the Humerus. In: Handbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics and Fracture Repair. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1997: 261-87.
  • 17 Rørvik AM. Risk factors for humeral condylar fractures in the dog: A retrospective study. J Small Anim Pract 1993; 34: 277-82.
  • 18 Rumph PF, Kincaid SA, Baird DK. et al. Vertical ground reaction force distribution during experimentally induced acute synovitis in dogs. Am J Vet Res 1993; 54: 365-9.
  • 19 Scharnhardt HC, Merkens HW. Quantification of equine ground reaction force patterns. J Biomech 1987; 20: 443-6.
  • 20 Vannini R, Olmstead ML, Smeak DD. An epidemiological study of 151 distal humeral fractures in dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1988; 24: 531-6.
  • 21 Vannini R, Smeak DD, Olmstead ML. Evaluation of surgical repair of 135 distal humeral fractures in dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp 1988; 24: 537-45.
  • 22 Welsh EM, Gettinby G, Nolan AM. Comparison of a visual analogue scale and a numerical rating scale for assessment of lameness, using sheep as a model. Am J Vet Res 1993; 54: 976-83.