title: External skeletal fixation for stabilisation of comminuted humeral fractures in cats.
abstract: Thirteen feline humeral fractures were stabilized using external skeletal fixation alone or in combination with supplementary devices. Eleven of the 13 fractures healed. Pins placed in the distal humerus should be angled to avoid the supracondylar foramen and radial nerve. An intramedullary pin in combination with external skeletal fixation is indicated for mildly comminuted reconstructable fractures. For severely comminuted humeral fractures, closed application of an external skeletal fixator may be preferable to open reduction and internal fixation to provide healing and is recommended as an alternative to amputation.
authors.affiliation: Queen Mother Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Langley-Hobbs
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carmichael
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: McCartney
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000662:veterinary; D002415:Cats / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006811:Humerus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome