Combined intramedullary pin and type 1a external skeletal fixator as a treatment for a comminuted Y‐T humeral fracture in a cat

Abstract A 2‐year‐old domestic cat presented following vehicular trauma. Orthopaedic evaluation revealed non‐weight‐bearing lameness of the right thoracic limb, soft tissue swelling, and crepitus upon palpation of the humerus and elbow. A severely comminuted closed Y‐T fracture of the right distal humerus was diagnosed on radiographs. Surgical stabilisation was achieved by placement of an intramedullary pin combined with a type 1a external skeletal fixator. Follow‐up revealed limb weight‐bearing at 3 days postoperatively and complete resolution of lameness at 6 weeks postoperatively. No complications associated with the external skeletal fixator were reported, and at the very long‐term follow‐up (482 days), the cat showed no lameness, pain, or decreased range of motion of the elbow. This case report describes the use of a type 1a external fixator combined with an intramedullary pin to stabilise a Y‐T humeral fracture with significant humeral supracondylar comminution.