title: Humerus fractures in llamas and alpacas: seven cases (1998-2004).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe treatment and outcome of humerus fractures in llamas and alpacas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Llamas (n=4) and alpacas (3) with humerus fracture.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records (January 1, 1998-August 1, 2004) were reviewed for small camelids with a humeral fracture. Retrieved data were signalment, history, physical examination and radiographic findings, surgical and medical treatment, and outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Humeral fracture occurred in 7 of 38 (18%) camelids admitted with fractures. Affected animals were aged from 1 month to 3 years old. Fracture configuration included long-oblique (n=4), short-oblique (2), and Salter-Harris Type II fracture of the proximal physis (1). One adult llama was managed by stall confinement and surgical repair was attempted in the other camelids: fixation by screws inserted in lag fashion (n=3), intramedullary pinning and fixation by screws inserted in lag fashion (1), rush pinning (1), and bone plating (1). A Velpeau sling was used for additional support in 3 animals. All fractures healed but temporary radial nerve paresis occurred in 3 animals. Limb shortening and permanent lameness occurred in the llama managed conservatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Humerus fractures in small camelids are amenable to surgical repair which may offer better long-term outcome than medical treatment alone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical treatment of humerus fractures should have a good prognosis in llamas and alpacas. In select cases, minimally invasive techniques, such as rush pinning or fixation by screws inserted in lag fashion are sufficient for fracture healing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012146:Rest; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome