No abstract

The SWP composite fixation technique would seem to be an acceptable means of stabilizing acetabular fractures in dogs.

SummaryThe IMEX™ Circular External Skeletal Fixation (CESF) System was used to stabilize fractures (12 radius and ulna and five tibia and fibula) in 15 dogs and two cats and arthrodeses (two pancarpal, one talocrural and one pantarsal) in four dogs. The ages of the animals with fractures ranged from six months to nine years (mean ± SD: 2.7 ± 2.5 years; median: 2.0 years) and the body weights of dogs with fractures ranged from 5.4 kg to 48.6 kg (mean ± SD: 21.3 ± 12.6 kg; median: 22.7 kg). The ages of the dogs having arthrodeses ranged from eight months to two years (mean ± SD: 18±10 months; median: 18 months) and body weights of dogs with arthrodeses ranged from 19.0 kg to 29.1 kg (mean ± SD: 22.7 ± 4.7 kg; median: 21.4 kg). Ten fractures were open and four had been previously managed with another form of stabilization. Ten fractures were comminuted and all of the fractures involved the diaphysis; two extended to the distal metaphysis. An extensive open reduction was used on three, a limited open reduction on seven and a closed reduction on seven fractures. Arthrodeses were performed via a limited open approach, for debridement of the articular cartilage and implantation of a cancellous bone graft. Most animals placed substantial weight on the affected limb within a few days following the operations. Wire and pin track inflammation was the most common complication during the convalescent period and was often associated with a decrease in weight-bearing. Sixteen fractures achieved radiographic union (mean ± SD: 46 ± 13 days; median: 43 days) long-term function (direct examination: mean ± SD: 76 ± 38 days; median: 43 days; telephone communication: mean ± SD: 366 ± 247 days; median: 381 days) was assessed as excellent in 10 animals and good in seven. All of the arthrodeses achieved radiographic union (mean ± SD: 74 ± 31 days; median: 71 days). Longterm function (direct examination: mean ± SD: 185 ± 182 days; median: 102 days; telephone communication: mean ± SD: 485 ± 22 days; median: 590 days) was assessed as good in two dogs and fair in two dogs. Our results establish the utility of the IMEX™ CESF System for stabilizing fractures and performing arthrodeses in dogs and cats.The IMEX™ Circular External Fixator System was used to stabilize radius and ulna or tibia and fibula-fractures in 15 dogs and two cats and perform arthrodeses ir four dogs. Sixteen fractures and all four arthrodeses achieved radiographic union. Limb function was assessed as excellent in ten animals, good in nine animals and fair in two dogs.Presented at the 23rd Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopaedics Society, Telluride, CO, USA March 5, 1996 University of Florida Journal Series #547.

SummaryThe incorporation of autogenous cortico-cancellous bone graft (CCBG) harvested from the wing of ilium using a powered acetabular reamer and autogenous cancellous bone graft (CBG), harvested from the proximal humerus by curettage, were compared in four young adult mixed breed female dogs. Five milliliters of CCBG or CBG were placed in bilateral, stable, 3.0 cm proximal diaphyseal ulnar defects. Humeral donor sites, and subsequent assignment of graft types of ulnar recipient sites, were alternated between dogs. Craniocaudal and lateral view radiographs were obtained immediately (day 0) and on days 16 and 35 after the operation. Photodensitometric and bone graft area measurements were made from these radiographs and the specific radiographic characteristics of the bone grafts were described at each time interval. Each dog received a series of intravenous fluorochrome label injections on days 23, 28 and 33. The dogs were humanely euthanatized on day 35. The bone graft recipient sites were harvested, processed and the descriptive histological and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated.A statistically significant difference in photodensitometric measurements was not seen between the CCBG and CBG. However, there was a statistically significant increase in the graft area of the CCBG from day 0-16. Mineral apposition rate was significantly greater, (P = 0.005) for the CCBG (mean = 4.8) than for the CBG (mean = 3.7), suggesting that the CCBG appears to be in an earlier more osteogenic phase of incorporation than the CBG. There was a trend which suggested that the percentage of trabecular bone volume was greater (P = 0.11) for the CBG (mean = 43.0) than for the CCBG (mean = 32.0). Other significant differences were not found, with respect to the other morphometric parameters measured. The descriptive histology and subjective radiographic evaluation were the most effective ways of readily distinguishing between the two types of bone graft and they demonstrated that the CBG had incorporated more completely than the CCBG by day 35.Presented at the 30th Annual Meeting of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois 1995 and at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society, Telluride, Colorado 1996