Assessment of humeral length in dogs after repair of Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the lateral part of the humeral condyle

Objective - To evaluate the effect of fracture and subsequent repair on future bone growth of the humerus after Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the lateral part of the humeral condyle (LPHC). Study Design - Prospective study. Animals - Dogs (n=11). Methods - Dogs that had LPHC fracture and an open distal humeral physis repaired (1992-2006) were re-examined and radiographed at >= 12 months of age and humeral length was measured. Result - Measurements from 11 dogs showed a significant (P=.02) increase in length of the humeral diaphysis of the affected leg compared with that of the intact limb (median, 1.2%; range, 1.3-3.4%). Condylar deformity secondary to growth disturbance was not observed. Conclusion - Shortening or growth deformity was not observed after fracture and repair even if a transcondylar screw was placed through the distal humeral growth plate. A mild overgrowth of the humeral diaphysis was observed, although likely considered clinically unimportant. Clinical Relevance - Fracture of the LPHC and subsequent repair in dogs > 3 months of age do not impair growth of the humeral diaphysis. A transcondylar humeral screw placed through the humeral physis will not result in shortening of the humeral diaphysis. Implant removal to allow for further growth is therefore not indicated. (C) Copyright 2008 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.