Steinmann pins and methylmethacrylate were used to stabilize 17 vertebral fractures or luxations and one unstable congenital spinal deformity in 18 dogs of a wide range of ages and body weights. Of 12 dogs available for follow‐up examination (4–43 months), 10 were normal or only mildly ataxic, and two were ambulatory but severely ataxic. Five dogs died or were euthanized in the early postoperative period, but none of the deaths could be attributed to the technique. Uncommon complications associated with this fixation technique were pin migration and wound infection.
Smooth and partially threaded 3.12 mm (W inch) trochar-tipped Steinmann pins were inserted transversely through both diaphyseal cortices of eight mature canine tibias using five methods. Angular velocity (revolutions per minute) during insertion and temperature elevation due to friction during penetration of the second cortex were recorded. The force required for extraction of the pins from the bone and the histologic appearance of the bone-pin interface were determined for one-half of the pins 2 days after insertion and for one-half of the pins 56 days after insertion. The increase in temperature was similar for all methods of insertion except high speed power, which was significantly greater (p < 0.05). The force required for axial pin extraction was similar for pins inserted by hand chuck, predrllled, and low speed power methods after both 2 and 56 days. Pins inserted by high speed power and hand drill required force similar to the others for extraction after 2 days but significantly less force (p < 0.05) for extraction after 56 days. The partially threaded pins required significantly greater force (p < 0.01) extraction after both 2 and 56 days. Hlstologic examination revealed increased mechanical bone damage surrounding hand chuck inserted pins, increased bone necrosis surrounding high speed power inserted pins, and increased inflammatory changes surrounding hand drill inserted pins.
A new type of double loop cerclage wire, conventional single wire loop cerclage, and twist‐type cerclage were evaluated. The double loop cerclage was applied using the Osteo Systems double loop tightener. Two groups of single wire loop cerclage were applied using the Osteo System loop tightener and the Richards loop tightener. Two groups of twist‐type cerclage were applied using the Kirschner wire twister and side‐cutting pliers. The test system allowed determination of the static tension produced by each wire, as weH as its ability to resist distraction. The double loop cerclage wires were the most effective in producing static tension and in resisting distraction. While the conventional single loop cerclage wires produced more static tension than the twist cerclage wires, they were less effective in resisting distraction.
Colonic anastomoses were performed on two groups of 13 dogs each. Epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia were performed in one group and general anesthesia only in the other. Intraoperatively, the epidural-general anesthesia dogs tended to bleed less, making the anastomosis less difficult. Histologic comparisons showed healing to be more advanced in the epidural-general anesthesia dogs compared to the general anesthesia dogs 24 hours and 7 days postoperatively. Differences were not noticed 14 and 28 days postoperatively. Bursting pressures were determined 24 hours after surgery. Differences between the groups were not noticed. Leakage occurred at 72% of the pressure determined to cause leakage in normal colons.
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