EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT FIXATION TECHNIQUES IN CANINE APPENDICULAR SKELETAL FRACTURES REPAIR: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM 1996 TO 2002

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of surgery, anaesthesiology radiology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cairo University

Abstract

Three hundred and fifty four dogs of different ages, weights and breeds suffering from different types of fore and hind limbs fractures were admit- ted to the surgery clinics faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo university during the period from June, 1996 to June, 2002. All dogs were subjected to clinical and radiographical examination to determine the fractured bone and the fracture type and environment (open vs. closed), the degree of fracture displacement and the fracture forces present. Different fixation techniques were evaluated in reconstruction of the fractured bones. These techniques included external cooptation using plaster of Paris and dynacast (77 cases), external skeletal fixation using type la unilateral uniplanar acrylic external fixator (67 caes) and Internal fixation (210 cases). Internal fixation inCluded different fixation devices which are intra- medullary bone pinning (single pin, stack-pins and cross pinning), bone plate and lag screws. The combination of more than fixation devices were used in repair of unusual types of fractures, such as the use of intramedullary pin in conjunction with cerclage wire and external skeletal fixator and the use of bone plate together with lag screws. The clinical and radiological results were analysed using scoring system. Finally, the present study emphasized on the necessity of early surgical intervention and selection of suitable fixation device or devices which are capable of neutralizing all fracture forces in order to achieve rigid and stable environment necessary for facture healing and subsequently early return of full limb function.

Main Subjects