A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described. It includes definitions of terms and a method of classification, based on fracture criteria seen on radiographs. This fracture classification was adapted from the AO/ASIF classification in man, to accomodate the special requirements of small animals. The localization and morphology of fractures were characterized with defined conventional terms, in order to assign an alpha-numeric code to each fracture. This coding system may also be used for computer filing of the data. With this classification system, the fractures are ranked in increasing severity and complexity for the various anatomical locations. This provides some prognostic and therapeutic informations. The system was used to code 1038 radiographically documented long bone fractures in dogs and cats. The distribution of fractures, with regard to their localization and morphology, was recorded. The system was easy to apply and proved to be able to supply valuable and reliable data.A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described.

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Positioning screws require early removal only if they fail to loosen or if a persistent limitation of dorsiflexion is still present after three months.

From 1969 to August 1981 60 trimalleolar fractures were operated on with fixation of the posterior fragment. A late follow up (average 8 years) including radiographs was possible in 45 patients. In 36 patients, there are no complaints and full function has been obtained. Films of the articulation are normal in 17 cases and show isolated osteophytes in 19. Five patients show some benign arthrosis but only occasional pain and slightly reduced function; four patients show severe arthrosis caused by clearly visible operative technical faults. Depressed areas in the articular surface were present in ten patients. Their prognosis is doubtful. Thus, a correctly reduced and fixed posterolateral fragment helps avoid or reduce postoperative arthrosis in trimalleolar injuries.

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