Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Semirigid external fixation for repair of fractures in young animals.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Shamir, M H et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgery
Plain-English summary
Researchers explored a new way to treat fractures in young animals using a method that involves tongue depressors and a thick bandage made of cotton padding, gauze, and adhesive tape. They tested this approach on 13 animals, including four dogs and one cat, with fractures in their leg bones, some of which were more serious than others. The bandages were checked regularly, and all the fractures healed well, with the splints being taken off between 21 and 44 days after they were put on. This technique was found to be easy to use and adaptable for different types of fractures, leading to successful healing in all cases.
Abstract
An alternative method for external coaptation of fractures in young animals utilizes tongue depressors incorporated in a bandage consisting of a thick layer of cotton padding, gauze bandaging, and adhesive tape. This method was used in 13 cases with fractures of the tibia or the radius and ulna, some of which were open. Five cases (four dogs and a cat) had displaced fractures, and eight cases had either nondisplaced or only mildly displaced fractures. Size of the animal was not considered a limiting factor. Bandages were examined periodically. All fractures healed uneventfully, and the splints were removed 21-to-44 days after application. This method of external coaptation proved to be easy to apply and modify during the healing process and was applicable to a wide variety of fractures with good results.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8906730/