Management of Canine Y-T Humeral Fractures Using Titanium Polyaxial Locking Plates in 17 Dogs

Abstract

The objective of this study was to document the short- and medium-to-long-term outcomes and complication rates of Y-T humeral condylar fractures fixed using titanium polyaxial locking plate (T-PLP). A retrospective review was performed of the medical records and radiographs of dogs with a Y-T humeral condylar fracture treated with T-PLP at a single veterinary referral center (2012–2018). Seventeen cases met the inclusion criteria. Medium- to long-term follow-up (.6 mo) information was derived using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. Recorded complications were catastrophic (1/17) and minor (2/17). Gait at 10–12 wk following surgery was subjectively assessed as good or excellent for 13 cases. Radiographic bone union was achieved in 7/12 cases at 4–6 wk. LOAD scores obtained a mean of 15 mo (range 6–29 mo) following surgery and indicated no or mild impairment in 15/16 and moderate functional impairment in 1. The application of T-PLP for the treatment of Y-T humeral condylar fractures resulted in adequate stabilization allowing successful fracture healing and medium- to long-term outcomes comparable to previous reports. According to results of LOAD testing, the medium- to long-term follow-up suggests that clients were aware of mild to moderate functional impairment in all cases.