Management of Long Bone Fractures Using Diverse Fracture Fixation Techniques in Small Animals

Abstract

Total 11-cases of different breeds of dogs and one case of Persian cat having long bone fractures were successfully managed using totally intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). For TIVA, combination of xylazine and ketamine were used for induction whereas sole ketamine was used for maintenance and atropine sulphate was used as preanaesthetic and anticholinergic agent. TIVA found suitable for orthopaedic surgeries in this study. Intramedullary pinning, bone-plating (Dynamic compression plating and Reconstruction plating), external skeletal fixation system (using jess clamps and epoxy) or combination of two different fracture fixation techniques were performed for surgical management of presented fracture cases. For combination of two orthopaedic techniques, either bone plating with supplementary IM-pinning or ESF with IM-pinning were used in this study.  All cases were evaluated by radiographs as well as clinical performance of operated limbs. Radiographs were taken at regular interval for assessment of radiographic bone healing and in those cases where radiographs were not possible owner contacted telephonically.