Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
External skeletal fixator used to heal leg fractures in young dogs
By Aronsohn, Michael G & Burk, Ronald L·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2009·Veterinary Specialists of South Florida, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Unilateral uniplanar external skeletal fixation for isolated diaphyseal tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 17-week-old puppy with a broken leg was treated using a special external fixator to help heal the fracture in its tibia (shin bone). After surgery, the puppy was monitored for about four weeks, during which its leg function and comfort improved significantly. The fixator was removed after about 31 days, and follow-up checks showed that the bone had healed well. The puppy's owners were very satisfied with the results, indicating that this method is a good option for treating similar fractures in young dogs.
People also search for: puppy broken leg treatment · external fixator for dog fracture · tibial fracture healing in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report and evaluate use of external skeletal fixation (ESF) for repair of isolated (fibula intact) diaphyseal tibia fractures in skeletally immature dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Skeletally immature (mean age, 17 weeks; range, 12-23 weeks) dogs (n=5) with isolated diaphyseal tibial fractures. METHODS: Medical records (2006-2007) of 5 dogs with isolated diaphyseal tibial fractures treated with Type 1a ESF were reviewed and outcome assessed by clinical examination and telephone interviews. RESULTS: Dogs were evaluated approximately 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Limb function, muscle mass, and comfort level remained very good to excellent throughout healing. Bony union was confirmed radiographically and the ESF removed approximately 4 weeks after surgery (mean, 31.4 days; range, 28-37 days). Owner satisfaction was high when contacted a minimum of 4 weeks after ESF removal. CONCLUSIONS: Use of Type Ia ESF with positive profile threaded pins is a practical and biologic method for treatment of isolated tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ESF is an effective alternative treatment to external coaptation and internal fixation for isolated diaphyseal tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19573070/