Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications after external bone fixators in dogs and where they
By Beever, Lee James et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2018·Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Postoperative Complications Associated with External Skeletal Fixators in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A review of 97 dogs that had external skeletal fixators (ESFs) placed showed that complications were common, occurring in about 81% of the cases. The most frequent issues included infections at the pin sites and implant failures, particularly in areas like the tarsus (ankle), manus (wrist), and humerus (upper arm). Older dogs were more likely to experience complications, and the type of frame used also played a role in the risk of problems. Pet owners should be aware that while ESFs can be effective for stabilizing fractures, they come with a significant risk of infection and other complications that need to be monitored closely after surgery.
People also search for: dog surgery complications · external fixator infection in dogs · dog fracture treatment risks
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  To quantify and evaluate risks of complications attributable to external skeletal fixator (ESF) usage in dogs. METHODS:  A retrospective review of medical records following ESF placement. RESULTS:  Case records of 97 dogs were reviewed; fixator-associated complications occurred in 79/97 dogs. Region of ESF placement was significantly associated with complication development ( = 0.005), not complication type ( = 0.086). Complications developed most frequently in the tarsus (9/10), manus (8/9) and humerus (8/9). Superficial pin-tract infection and implant failure occurred in 38/97 and 17/97 dogs, respectively. Superficial pin-tract infection occurred frequently in the femur, humerus, radius and ulna and the pes, with implant failure frequent in the tarsus and deep pin-tract infection in the manus and tibia. Transarticular frames were significantly more likely to develop a complication ( = 0.028). Age was significantly associated with complication development ( = 0.029). No associations between breed, sex, weight, fracture type (open or closed), ESF classification and the incidence or type of complications were identified. No associations between, breed, age, sex, weight, fracture type (open or closed), ESF classification and the time to complication development were identified. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:  Fixator-associated complications are common in dogs, with the majority of complications related to implant infection. Region and placement of transarticular frames should be carefully considered when selecting stabilization method.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29534282/