Surgical Stabilisation of Feline Humeral Condylar Fractures Using the 'Inside-Out' Transcondylar Screw Technique: A Retrospective Study

Humeral condylar fractures are rare and technically challenging in cats. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of feline humeral condylar fractures stabilized using the 'inside-out' transcondylar screw technique combined with cross Kirschner wires (K-wires) or locking plates. The medical records of cats brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ondokuz Mayıs University with traumatic humeral condylar fractures between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed retrospectively. Signalment, fracture classification, surgical stabilization techniques, complications, and long-term functional outcomes based on owner telephone follow-ups were evaluated. Nineteen fractures in 18 cats were evaluated. Radiographic bone union was achieved at a mean of 10 weeks. Major complications occurred in two cases, while minor complications in three. Long-term clinical follow-up (median, 25 months [18-71 months]) was obtained via telephone for 11/18 cats, with 9/11 regaining full, unrestricted limb function. Based on these findings, the 'inside-out' transcondylar lag screw technique appears to be a viable approach for achieving accurate anatomic reduction and optimal centration in the narrow feline humeral condyle. When combined with cross K-wires for simple fractures or a caudolateral locking plate for supracondylar comminution, satisfactory long-term clinical outcomes were generally achieved.