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- Humeral intracondylar fissures in immature Frenchy-do you need to intervene right away?
Humeral intracondylar fissures in immature Frenchy-do you need to intervene right away?
JSAP 2024
V. C. Hutchings, S. Rutherford
Background
Humeral intracondylar fissures (HIFs) predispose dogs to humeral condylar fractures (HCFs) and are hypothesized to result from either stress fractures in adults or incomplete ossification in younger dogs. While well-documented in Spaniels, evidence in French Bulldogs (FBDs) is scarce. This study aims to determine whether HIFs in skeletally immature FBDs resolve over time, providing insight into the need for prophylactic surgical interventions.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed medical records from a UK surgical center (2018–2022). It included skeletally immature FBDs (aged 12 weeks to 12 months) with HCFs and contralateral HIFs confirmed by CT imaging. Follow-up CT scans assessed HIF resolution. The degree of fissure fusion was quantified, and data on patient demographics and fissure characteristics were collected.
Results
Among 137 HCFs treated, 58 occurred in FBDs, of which 27 had contralateral HIFs. Twelve cases met the inclusion criteria. -Follow-up CT showed HIF resolution in 11/12 cases (91.7%) within 4–8 weeks of diagnosis. One case demonstrated partial fusion (52%) by 6 months but required a transcondylar screw. -Partial HIFs were more common than complete ones. Fusion rates suggest delayed ossification of the humeral condyle in FBDs compared to commonly cited timelines (8–12 weeks).
Limitations
The study was limited by its retrospective design, small sample size, and variable follow-up intervals. Radiographic review was unblinded, introducing potential bias. Prospective studies with standardized imaging protocols are needed to clarify ossification timelines.
Conclusions
Most HIFs in skeletally immature FBDs resolve within weeks, negating the immediate need for prophylactic transcondylar screw placement in these cases. Breed-specific ossification patterns warrant further study to refine management strategies for HCF prevention in FBDs.
Dorsal (A) and transverse (B) computed tomography reconstructions of an elbow in a 4-month-old French bulldog. There is a hypoattenuating line extending across the entire length of the humeral condyle, surrounded by hyperattenuating, sclerotic bone. Computed tomography reconstructions 5 weeks later, revealed fusion of the fissure in dorsal (C) and transverse (D) planes. The hypoattenuating line has been replaced with hyperattenuating, sclerotic bone.
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