Linear-circular external skeletal fixation of intra-condylar humeral fractures with supracondylar comminution in four cats

Objectives: Intra-condylar humeral fracture with supracondylar comminution in cats is rare, and the stabilisation for such fractures is challenging. The purpose of our study was to describe the use of a hybrid external skeletal fixator, and to report the complications and outcomes of this surgical technique. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of clinical, radiographic and surgical records of all cats with intra-condylar humeral fractures and non-reconstructable supracondylar comminution stabilized by linear-circular external skeletal fixator in two institutions between January 2005 and March 2010. Results: Four cats met the inclusion criteria of the study. All cases achieved fracture union and clinical outcome was considered excellent at the time of the final assessment (11 - 24 weeks). Clinical significance: This study demonstrates that a linear-circular fixator system can be used successfully in the management of intra-condylar humeral fractures with non-reconstructable supracondylar comminution in cats.