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Karydas et al: Impact of postoperative radiography on the management of humeral condylar fractures in immature dogs
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

139 immature dogs with humeral condylar fractures (HCF) reviewed retrospectively.
Postoperative plan changed in 17% (23/139) of cases.
Key risk factors for plan change:

  • Owner concerns (OR: 7.6)
  • Analgesic use at follow-up (OR: 7.9)
  • Lameness (OR: 5.9)
  • Abnormal clinical exam (OR: 44.8)
  • Radiographic abnormalities (OR: 51.9)

No plan changes were based solely on radiographs when clinical signs were absent.
Supracondylar K-wire migration noted in 3.5% of dogs without affecting the clinical plan.
Authors conclude that routine follow-up radiographs offer limited value without concurrent clinical indicators.

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← Articles

Karydas et al: Impact of postoperative radiography on the management of humeral condylar fractures in immature dogs
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

139 immature dogs with humeral condylar fractures (HCF) reviewed retrospectively.
Postoperative plan changed in 17% (23/139) of cases.
Key risk factors for plan change:

  • Owner concerns (OR: 7.6)
  • Analgesic use at follow-up (OR: 7.9)
  • Lameness (OR: 5.9)
  • Abnormal clinical exam (OR: 44.8)
  • Radiographic abnormalities (OR: 51.9)

No plan changes were based solely on radiographs when clinical signs were absent.
Supracondylar K-wire migration noted in 3.5% of dogs without affecting the clinical plan.
Authors conclude that routine follow-up radiographs offer limited value without concurrent clinical indicators.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Karydas 2025 et al., on follow-up radiography, what is the recommended role of follow-up imaging in the absence of clinical signs?

A. Always obtain it to confirm healing
B. Skip it due to cost
C. Reserve it only for older dogs
D. Only if owner requests it
E. Not recommended unless clinical signs present

Answer: Not recommended unless clinical signs present

Explanation: Routine radiographs were not justified without owner concerns or clinical abnormalities.
In Karydas 2025 et al., on follow-up radiography, what percent of postoperative plans were changed based on clinical and radiographic findings?

A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 17%
D. 25%
E. 40%

Answer: 17%

Explanation: Out of 139 cases, 23 (17%) experienced a postoperative plan change based on clinical and radiographic indicators.
In Karydas 2025 et al., on follow-up radiography, which factor had the highest odds ratio for triggering a postoperative plan change?

A. Owner concerns
B. Lameness
C. Radiographic abnormalities
D. Use of analgesia
E. Abnormal clinical examination

Answer: Radiographic abnormalities

Explanation: Radiographic abnormalities had an OR of 51.9, but were never sole triggers for plan changes.
In Karydas 2025 et al., on follow-up radiography, what was the clinical outcome in dogs with radiographic abnormalities but no clinical concerns?

A. Underwent revision surgery
B. Required splinting
C. Experienced implant loosening
D. Required no treatment
E. Died from complications

Answer: Required no treatment

Explanation: In 3.5% of dogs, radiographs showed K-wire migration without clinical signs, and no intervention was needed.
In Karydas 2025 et al., on follow-up radiography, which combination of clinical indicators most strongly predicted a need for plan adjustment?

A. No owner concern + normal exam
B. Lameness only
C. Owner concern + analgesia
D. Lameness + abnormal exam findings
E. Unplanned visits + radiographic finding

Answer: Lameness + abnormal exam findings

Explanation: Abnormal clinical exam had the highest OR (44.8), especially when combined with lameness.

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