title: Kirschner wire fixation of Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in growing dogs. A retrospective study of 35 fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the use of Kirschner wires for treatment of fractures of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in growing dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of 35 elbow fractures (33 dogs) of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle treated by insertion of multiple transcondylar and one anti-rotational Kirschner wires. Radiographic and clinical re-evaluations were carried out immediately after surgery, at four weeks and, when required, at eight weeks postoperatively. Long-term follow-up was planned after a minimum of six months. The relationship between different implant configurations and clinical outcome was analysed statistically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete functional recovery was seen in 31 elbows (30 dogs), three elbows (2 dogs) had reduction in the range of motion, and one elbow (1 dog) had persistent grade 1 lameness two months postoperatively. Major complications occurred in eight elbows (8 dogs) and all were resolved by implant removal. Implant configuration did not affect outcome. Long-term evaluation in 12 cases with a mean follow-up of four years showed absence of lameness, normal function and no or mild radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in 11 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fracture of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in growing dogs can be successfully treated by multiple transcondylar convergent or parallel Kirschner wires, resulting in adequate fracture healing.
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cinti
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pisani
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vezzoni
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Peirone
authors.affiliation: Aldo Vezzoni DVM, Dipl. ECVS, Clinica Veterinaria Vezzoni, Via Massarotti 60/A, 26100 Cremona, Italy, Phone: +39 0372 23451, E-mail: aldo@vezzoni.it.
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vezzoni
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare; D000818:Animals; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000254:growth & development / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000662:veterinary*; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Immature dogs; Kirschner wire; fracture of humeral condyle