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DOI: 10.1055/a-2685-0035
Lateral Epicondylar Fissure Fractures after Transcondylar Screw Placement for the Treatment of Humeral Intracondylar Fissures and Humeral Condylar Fractures
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to report an intraoperative complication that has been noted during the surgical application of transcondylar screws (TCS). Although a recent study has shown medial epicondylar fissure fractures during medial to lateral TCS application in dogs treated for humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF), our study pertains to lateral epicondylar fissure fractures occurring during surgery for HIF, lateral condylar fractures and intracondylar Y fractures.
Study Design
Retrospective, multicentre case series, including seven client-owned dogs. Data collection included signalment, imaging findings, surgical method and implants used for the repair, postoperative complications and outcome at 6 to 8 weeks of follow-up.
Results
Two dogs were treated for bilateral HIF, one for unilateral HIF, two for lateral condylar fractures and two for intracondylar Y fractures. Intervention after diagnosing the intraoperative lateral fissure fracture included adding a washer and a transcondylar Kirschner wire or an adjunctive TCS. One dog was euthanatized due to financial constraints following implant failure 2 weeks after lateral condylar fracture repair. Six dogs had a good outcome with return to function.
Conclusion
Humeral epicondylar fissure fractures can occur in the lateral epicondyle during TCS placement in dogs treated for HIF, lateral condylar fractures and intracondylar Y fractures.
Contributors' Statement
F.P. and K.P. contributed to the design of the study. F.P. and S.W. performed data collection and analysis, identified the suitable diagnostic imaging and performed radiographic measurements, drafted and revised the manuscript. A.B., N.B., D.C., D.O. and K.P. were primary clinicians and operating surgeons of the cases included in the study, provided clinical data, supervision of the work and editing of the manuscript. All authors provided review of the manuscript and approved the final version.
Note
This work has been presented as an oral presentation by F.P. at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress held on 23–25 March 2023, in Manchester (United Kingdom).
Publication History
Received: 30 September 2024
Accepted: 16 August 2025
Article published online:
27 August 2025
© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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