Humeral Fractures
Where is the humerus?
The humerus is the bone that connects the shoulder and the elbow. It is a S-shaped bone with a twist. It is made up of a top portion (metaphysis) connecting to the shoulder blade, it has a long thick shaft in the middle and is attached to the elbow via the condyle.
How common are Humeral Fractures
Humeral Fractures account for ~10% of fractures in dogs and 5% to 13% of fractures in cats. Most Humeral Fractures involve the middle and distal one third of the bone.
Shaft Fractures
Shaft (diaphyseal) Humeral Fractures are caused by high energy trauma – motor vehicle accidents, gunshots, and falls.
Casting is not appropriate for Shaft Humeral Fractures due to the difficulty in effectively immobilising the joints above and below the break.
The humerus lends itself to surgical repair via a multitude of options including external skeletal fixation, intramedullary pinning with lag screws or cerclage wiring, plating with or without intramedullary pinning, and inter-locking nails.
Plates, screws and pins are most commonly employed in repair.
Condyle fractures
Fractures of the humeral condyle involve the joint. This means that perfect anatomic repair must take place to prevent long term pain and arthritis.
Some degree of arthritis is inevitable with Humeral Fractures, but this can be minimised with excellent reduction and secure fixation.
Two types of fractures can affect the condyle – a uni-condylar fracture (just one side involved) or bi-condylar (both sides). Our surgeons have extensive experience with both forms, having lectured on the topic nationally and internationally.
Uni-condylar repair can be performed using:
- Multiple lag screws
- Lag screws + anti rotational pin
- Lag screws and plate buttress
Prognosis
Prognosis is typically very good. Most animals are expected to return to normal function once they have completed their recovery. A six week rest period is mandatory after surgery to give the patient the best chance to recover.
Recovery
Careful rest after fracture surgery is the key to success. Patients will remain hospitalised for between 1-2 days post operatively depending on comfort, mobility and temperament. Once they are ready for home management, a dedicated rehabilitation and activity plan will be put in place.
Key elements of home management during the first 6 weeks include:
- Room or cage confinement during unsupervised periods
- Non slip flooring
- Leash controlled walking activity
Patients progress will be reviewed at 2 time points:
- 10-14 days after surgery for a progress check and suture removal
- 6 weeks after surgery for additional assessment and follow-up radiographs to assess rate of healing. This check is very important to guide further activity, a return to normal activity is sometimes possible at this time.
Bi-condyle repair is performed with 2 adjacent bone plates and multiple screws.
Complications
Whilst every effort is put in place to prevent complications, they do happen. Potential complications include infection, mal-union (healing inappropriately), non-union (not healing), implant breakage or loosening causing lameness, ongoing lameness and nerve damage.
If you have concerns for your pet in connection to this condition we recommend discussing it with your primary care vet in the first instance, or get in touch with our team for more info.
If you need urgent medical help, contact our 24 hour Pet Emergency team at Stafford, North Lakes, or Sunshine Coast on 1300 QLD VET (1300 753 838)