Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Minimally invasive external fixation for tibia fractures in dogs
By Sherman, Alec H et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2023·Department of Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Linear external skeletal fixation applied in minimally invasive fashion for stabilization of nonarticular tibial fractures in dogs and cats.
Plain-English summary
A group of 49 dogs and 6 cats with nonarticular tibial fractures (a type of leg fracture) were treated using a method called linear external skeletal fixation (ESF), which is a minimally invasive technique. Most pets healed well, with all fractures showing signs of healing on X-rays. While there were some complications, most were minor, and the average time for the fixator to be removed was about 71 days. This method proved to be an effective option for stabilizing these types of fractures in pets.
People also search for: dog leg fracture treatment · cat tibial fracture recovery · minimally invasive fracture repair for pets
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of linear external skeletal fixation (ESF) applied using minimally invasive techniques in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-nine dogs and 6 cats. METHODS: Medical records of cases with nonarticular tibial fractures, repaired using linear ESF at a single academic institution between July 2010 and 2020, were reviewed. All records of cases that had nonarticular tibial fractures repaired using linear ESF were included. Information was collected regarding signalment, surgical procedures performed, perioperative care, radiographic evaluation, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Intraoperative imaging was used in 40/55 (72%) of cases. Tibal plateau angle (TPA), tibial mechanical medial proximal and distal tibial angles (mMPTA and mMDTA, respectively) were not affected by intraoperative imaging (P = .344, P = .687, P = .418). A total of 22 (40%) complications occurred. Of these, 18 were considered minor and 4 were considered major. Open fractures had more major complications than closed fractures (P = .019). All fractures reached radiographic union of the fracture. The mean ± SD time to external fixator removal was 71 ± 48 days. CONCLUSION: Linear ESF applied using minimally invasive techniques with or without intraoperative imaging was an effective treatment for nonarticular tibial fractures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Closed application of linear ESF should be considered as a minimally invasive option for stabilizing nonarticular tibial fractures.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382668/