FRACTURE FIXATION
Fractures in dogs and cats usually require surgery rather than casts due to the anatomy of four legged patients. Also, surgery allows motion of the adjacent joints leading to quicker return to full function. Pets cannot tell us when the cast rubs or hurts or is too tight and so complications to the muscles and skin are of concern.
In the 60’s straight smooth Pins were placed inside the bone to treat fractures. These intramedullary pins were good at preventing bending but were poor when it came to preventing the fractured bones from rotating or shortening in complicated fractures. In the early 70’s Plates and Screws were introduced and have been used for 3 decades. Improvements to components of what are termed External Fixators have caused a resurgence in there use. With these implants pins are placed through the skin and bone and are connected on the outside of the body by bars, clamps and rings. External Fixators give the surgeon greater choice in ways of handling complex fractures and situations where bone needs to be straightened, lengthened, or even CREATED. Recently the introduction to veterinary surgery of Interlocking Nails has combined the ease of IM pins with the stability of Plates and has added another option to our armamentarium. All of these procedures are not only available at our facility but have been taught by our Surgeons Nationally and Internationally.
Fig 1. Pins used in a crossed manner prevent rotation
Fig 2. Interlocking Nail
Fig 3. Plates and Screws
Fig 4. External Fixator
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