Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog femur fractures fixed with semicircular external skeletal fixators
By Yardimci, Cenk et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2011·Department of Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of femoral fractures in dogs with unilateral semicircular external skeletal fixators.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with femoral fractures underwent surgery using a special device called a semicircular external skeletal fixator to help their bones heal. Most of the dogs started using their leg right after waking up from anesthesia, while a few took a day or two longer. The fixators were removed after about 38 days, and the results were mostly positive, with 13 dogs showing excellent recovery and only one dog experiencing a poor outcome due to a nonunion (the bone not healing properly). Overall, this method proved to be effective for treating these types of fractures in young dogs.
People also search for: dog femoral fracture treatment · external fixator for dog leg · dog leg surgery recovery time
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report use of semicircular external skeletal fixators (ESF) for management of femoral fractures in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=16) with femoral fractures (n=18). METHODS: A semicircular ESF system composed of 6-hole 45° or 5-hole 40° carbon-fiber arches, 6 mm threaded rods, half pin fixation bolts, 6 mm nuts, and negative profile end-threaded half pins were used for open repair of femoral fractures. ESF configuration, complications, limb use, fixator removal time, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor. RESULTS: Seventeen fractures with sufficient follow-up healed. Eight dogs started using the limb immediately after waking up from anesthesia whereas initial limb use was 1-4 days after repair in the other dogs. Time to fixator removal ranged from 28 to 63 days (mean, 38 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 13 cases, good in 4, and poor in 1 nonunion. CONCLUSION: Semicircular ESF combined with open surgical reduction can be used to successfully repair metaphyseal and diaphyseal femoral fractures in young growing dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21244445/