Linear External Skeletal Fixator for the Stabilization of Open Long Bone Fracture in Dogs
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Date
2019
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Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana
Abstract
This study included 17 dogs suffering from open long bone fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula divided into three groups. In Group I (n=8) fractures were stabilized
with linear external skeletal fixator (ESF) type I or II using half pins with 5 cancellous negative profile threads or full pin with central cortical positive profile threads. In Group II (n=3) fracture were stabilized with full pin with central cortical positive profile threads combined with half pin with 5 cancellous negative threads. In groups I and II, linear was applied at the earliest. However, in Group III (n=6), open fractures were treated using conservative methods i.e management of wound till complete healing followed by internal fixation intramedullary pin or bone plating. Majority of the open fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula were transverse (64.71 %) involving distal third diaphysis (47.06%) in heavy weight (54.55%), 1-3 year old (64.71%), non-descript (35.29%), male (88.23%) dogs due to automobile accidents (58.82%). Neutrophilic (81.47±4.45%) leukocytosis (24610±2461.88 per cumm) and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and creatinine kinase were observed. Staphylococcus sp. was the common bacteria isolated sensitive to gentamicin, cefotaxime, tobramycin, amikacin and neomycin. High per cent fractures (83.33%) in group III had acceptable functional outcome as compared to fractures treated with ESF (55.55%). Osteomyelitis due to pin tract infections was the major complication (n=8) recorded in ESF groups (Group I and II) that lead to delayed union and nonunion. The weight bearing score found to increase markedly after removal of the linear ESF frame. It was concluded that non-descript heavy weight male dogs are primarily affected with open long bone fractures due to accidental trauma. Immediate fixation of the long bone fracture using linear ESF in the presence of open contaminated / infected wounds leads to unacceptable results. Poor animal compliance, pin tract discharge, osteomyelitis, nonunion are major complications associated with linear ESF. Conservative management of the open fracture wound using standard treatment for 2-3 weeks till complete wound healing followed by internal fixation with intramedullary pin or bone plate is recommended for the management of open long bone fractures in dogs.
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