Long bone fracture as a complication following external skeletal fixation: 11 cases

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Small Animal Surgery

Background:

• Linear external skeletal fixation (ESF) is a surgical technique used to stabilize bone fractures.
• Complications can arise from ESF application, including iatrogenic fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate long bone fractures in dogs and cats directly resulting from linear external skeletal fixation (ESF) application.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study was conducted using medical records and radiographs.
• Data were collected from 4 canine and 7 feline cases treated between 1999 and 2011.

Main Results:

• Long bone fractures occurred post-ESF application, either with the device in situ or after removal.
• Fractures consistently occurred at pin tracts or empty drill holes.
• Factors like multiple injuries, revision surgery, and poor owner compliance were common complicating factors.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to ESF application recommendations is vital, particularly in cases with potential complicating factors.
• Leaving empty drill holes is not ideal and may increase fracture risk.
• The study's retrospective nature and small, diverse case numbers necessitate cautious interpretation.