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Unilateral Uniplanar External Skeletal Fixation for Isolated Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures in Skeletally Immature Dogs
Author(s) -
ARONSOHN MICHAEL G.,
BURK RONALD L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2009.00553.x
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , tibia , external fixation , fixation (population genetics) , bone healing , fibula , external fixator , population , environmental health
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 ∼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 ∼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.