Outcomes, complications and risk factors following fluoroscopically guided transcondylar screw placement for humeral intracondylar fissure.

Abstract

To describe the surgical technique and complications for fluoroscopically guided transcondylar screw placement for humeral intracondylar fissure in dogs. A retrospective review was undertaken of cases from two hospitals where identical surgical technique was employed. Factors were analysed for any association with postoperative complications. Sixty-two dogs (82 elbows) were reviewed for which the postoperative complication rate was 45%; a total of 15% of cases required revision surgery. Complications were more likely in cases operated on earlier in the case series and with increasing dog bodyweight. Both increasing surgical time and being a neutered female were protective against postoperative complications. Fluoroscopically guided transcondylar screw placement for humeral intracondylar fissure is associated with a high postoperative complication rate (45%) with 15% of cases requiring revision surgery.