Low et al: Long-Term Outcome and Complications after Transcondylar Screw Placement for Canine Humeral Intracondylar Fissure
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 4, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

• 47 dogs (57 elbows) underwent TCS placement for HIF
• Overall complication rate = 17.5%
  • Minor: seromas (7 elbows)
  • Major: septic arthritis (3 elbows) — all resolved with antibiotics
• No screw failures, medial epicondylar fractures, or catastrophic outcomes noted
• Long-term follow-up in 41 dogs (50 elbows):
  • 90% full function, 10% acceptable function
  • Mean follow-up = ~2.5 years
• Increased age was significantly protective (p = 0.0051; OR = 0.61)
• TCS placement method (freehand, guide, aiming device) significantly impacted screw angulation but not complication rate
• Outcome not affected by presence of complications