$distal humerus supracondylar fracture$

The 'Y' supracondylar fracture splits both medial and lateral condyles off the distal humerus and this is a very challenging fracture to repair. From most common to least common, the lateral condylar fracture, 'Y' supracondylar fracture, medial condylar fracture. There are three main types of distal humeral fractures that we seen in our practice. Below are illustrations demonstrating the progression of the fracture from just a fissure in the distal humerus between the medial and lateral condyles, to propagation of the fracture in the lateral epicondylar crest, then finally a complete lateral condylar fracture. Because of this, the lateral condyle may be fractured off the humerus. The radius bone, being the main weight-bearing bone drives its forces upon the lateral condyle. This is a weak link between the two condyles, which makes this region vulnerable to fracture. In some dogs, due to a genetic defect, the medial and lateral condyles never fuse together completely and a fine line of cartilage separates the two. Thus, as a puppy grows, the ossification of the two condyles progress toward each other and finally fuse together into a solid bone. The bottom of the humerus has two condyles, the medial and the lateral condyle which have separate ossification centers. As the puppy matures, the bones gradually change from a cartilage primordia by a process of ossification (or mineralization). Incomplete ossification of the humeral condylesĮarly on in life, the bones of a fetus are made of cartilage. This condition is likely a genetic disease. In mature dogs, this fracture also is seen and the predisposing factor usually is due to incomplete ossification of the humeral condyles (IOHC). Young dogs, approximately 4 to 5 months of age, are most susceptible to this type of fracture, because the bone is soft and the medial and lateral condyles have not fused together. Because forces are driven up the axis of the radius bone, the radial head will impact the lateral condyle of the humerus bone and shear the lateral condyle off the humerus bone.

$distal humerus supracondylar fracture$ $distal humerus supracondylar fracture$

The most common type of elbow fracture is a lateral condylar fracture of the lower part of the humerus bone. The ulna bone articulates with the inner portion of the humerus bone.Īn impacting force such as jumping off a deck, chair or out of a pet owner's arms may cause this type of fracture. The head of the radius articulates with the lateral or outer one-half to two-thirds of the humerus bone.

$distal humerus supracondylar fracture$

The radius bone bears 80% of the weight exerted on the forelimb during weight-bearing, while the ulna bears 20% of the weight. These bones include the humerus, the radius and the ulna. The elbow joint is made of three bones that are joined together by ligaments, tendons and muscles.

$distal humerus supracondylar fracture$

Distal humerus supracondylar fracture