Studies into humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) / incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) in Springer Spaniels
Humeral intracondylar fissure (also known as incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle) is a condition in which there is a weakness in the humeral condyle –part of the elbow joint in the forelimb. It is most commonly seen in spaniels, especially Springer Spaniels in the UK, although other breeds can also be affected. This condition predisposes to fractures (breaks) of the humeral condyle and can also cause lameness in its own right without fracture. However, in some dogs it does not cause clinical signs and so an owner may not know their dog has the condition. There may be a genetic basis to the condition.
Our knowledge of this condition is limited and there remains controversy over what exactly HIF is. For a long time it was thought to be an abnormality of bone development in puppies but more recently we and others have recognised HIF developing in adult dogs' elbows which have previously been screened as normal. This suggests that HIF is a form of stress or fatigue fracture, at least in some dogs. However, we do not know why these stress fractures happen and why spaniel breeds seem to be predisposed.
In conjunction with the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association we have investigated the incidence of HIF in a population of 'normal' Springer Spaniels, using CT scans of the elbows.
The results of this study were presented at the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association's annual Spring meeting in Birmingham, March 2011, and a paper has been published in the journal Veterinary & Comparative Orthopaedics & Traumatology:
We have also investigated novel surgical approaches to manage HIF and HIF-associated fractures and this data has also been published:
We have also investigated the fracture risk for dogs diagnosed with this condition as an incidental finding:
A comprehensive review of this condition
Moores AP (2021) Humeral Intracondylar Fissure in Dogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.12.006
If you have a spaniel (or other breed) with confirmed or suspected HIF, our orthopaedic surgeons woud be pleased to help you -talk to your first opinion vet about referral to Anderson Moores. We can offer on-site CT scanning (to confirm the presence of HIF and to assess the elbow for other diseases that might be present) along with screw placement across the humeral condyle to strengthen the elbow and reduce lameness. Screw placement is routinely performed with fluoroscopy (video x-ray) which improves accuracy and makes the procedure safer. In some situations arthroscopy (key-hole surgery) of the elbow is also advised.
Information sheets
More information on HIF and fractures of the humeral condyle can be found here:
Cruciate Disease An indepth guide. Primarily for vets but may also be of interest to owners of dogs with cruciate disease
External Skeletal Fixator Care Primarily for vets, this sheet provides guidance on managing esternal skeletal fixators (ESF) following surgery
Patellar Luxation in Dogs A guide to the clinical signs, diagnosis & decision making, primarily for vets
MLK Recipe A guide for vets on the use of MLK infusions in painful patients