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Combined Intramedullary and External Skeletal Fixation of Metatarsal and Metacarpal Fractures in 12 Dogs and 19 Cats
Author(s) -
Fitzpatrick Noel,
Riordan Jerry O.,
Smith Thomas J.,
Modlinska Jola H.,
Tucker Russell,
Yeadon Russell
Publication year - 2011
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.2011.00885.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intramedullary rod , metacarpal bones , radiography , fixation (population genetics) , cats , surgery , phalanx , metatarsal bones , lameness , population , environmental health
Objective To report surgical technique, clinical experiences, and long‐term outcomes of combined intramedullary/external skeletal fixation of metatarsal ( MT ) and metacarpal ( MC ) fractures in dogs and cats. Study Design Case series. Animals Dogs ( n = 12); 19 cats. Methods Clinical and radiographic records of animals managed by combined intramedullary/external fixation of MT / MC fractures were reviewed. Signalment, fracture configuration, complications, and subjective clinical findings were recorded. Surgical technique involved retrograde intramedullary pin placement into fractured MT / MC bones, and transverse pin placement in the base of the MT / MC s or tarsal/carpal bones. Contoured pin ends were enshrouded dorsally in epoxy resin and implants maintained until fracture union. Postoperative clinical and radiographic reassessment was performed where possible. Results Small breed dogs ( n = 12) and 19 cats were operated. Fixator removal occurred in < 10 weeks in all cases. Complications included synostosis ( n = 2), pin tract discharge (7), excessive postoperative swelling (8), skin abrasions from the frame (2), and paw distortion associated with frame impingement (2). Long‐term radiography documented degenerative changes associated with MT‐phalangeal or MC‐phalangeal joints in 2 dogs; 7 cats, but changes were typically graded mild or moderate and affected only 1 or 2 joints. Conclusions Combined intramedullary/external fixation of MT / MC fractures is viable, particularly juxta‐articular fractures. Pin penetration of MT‐phalangeal or MC‐phalangeal joints may cause morbidity and requires further study.