The use of a biodegradable implant in fracture fixation: a review of the literature and a report of two clinical cases

A method of internal fracture fixation using rod-shaped biodegradable implants made of self-reinforced polyglycolic acid (PGA) is described. These biodegradable implants were employed in the fixation of fractures in a metaphysis and diaphysis. The fractures healed clinically and radiolo-gically in six weeks without complicatons. The patients started to use the operated limbs during the first postoperative week and lameness disappeared within six weeks. Biodegradable fixation devices will be a useful tool in the treatment of fractures in veterinary surgery.     

Bilateral patellar fracture in a dog

A 4-year-old Border Collie bitch was presented with a transverse fracture of both patellae. The relevant clinical findings and subsequent surgical treatment of the fractures are described. The occurrence and management of patellar fractures in dogs are discussed.     

Central tarsal bone fractures in the racing Greyhound: a review of 114 cases

A total of 114 central tarsal bone (Tc) fractures, including associated secondary fractures, were identified in 114 racing Greyhounds. The fractures were classified according to a previously described scheme. The type IV Tc fracture, dorsal and medial slab fractures, was most common. A Tc fracture alone, or a Tc fracture with associated fractures of the 4th tarsal bone (T4), calcaneus, or T4 and lateral base of the 5th metatarsal bone were the most commonly observed. The prevalence of secondary fractures increased with the severity of the Tc fracture. Management of Tc fractures involved 3 methods: coaptation, single-screw fixation, and 2-screw fixation. Additional repair was performed as indicated by the presence of concurrent secondary fractures. A total of 71% of the dogs returned to competitive racing.     

The repair of humeral condylar fractures in the dog: a review of seventy-nine cases

The method of fixation of lateral condylar, medial condylar and intercondylar fractures of the humerus in 79 dogs is described. Follow-up examinations were carried out to evaluate the success of fracture repair.     

Surgical repair of femoral neck fractures in two dogs and a calf

The surgical techniques employed in the repair of femoral neck fractures in two dogs and a Charolais calf are described. All the fractures were extracapsular; one of the dogs also had a fractured femoral diaphysis. For both dogs, exposure of the femoral neck was made from a dorsal approach after removal of the greater trochanter, while for the calf, a gluteal transection technique was used. All the fractures were successfully fixed using cortical screws, and in the case of the femoral diaphysis, a vitallium plate was used. All the animals were walking with minimal lameness eight weeks after surgery.     

Pelvic fractures in the dog: a review of 123 cases

The case histories of 123 dogs with pelvic fractures are reviewed. Eighty–seven dogs were treated conservatively and 28 surgically; the management and results of treatment in each group are described and compared.     

Sixteen fractures of the shoulder region in the horse

The clinical and radiological features of fractures of the shoulder region in 16 horses are described. High quality radiographic views were essential for an accurate diagnosis. This sometimes necessitated general anaesthesia. The limitations of radiography are discussed. Nine horses had articular fractures of the supraglenoid tuberosity and eight of these were destroyed because of persistent lameness. The possibility of surgical removal of the fracture fragment(s) is discussed and the importance of early diagnosis emphasised. Seven other fractures of the shoulder region are described. The clinical outcome depended upon the location and nature of the fracture.     

Conservative and surgical treatment of canine acetabular fractures: A review of 34 cases

The case histories of 34 dogs with acetabular fractures are reviewed. Twenty-one were treated surgically and 13 conservatively. A classification system for acetabular fractures is presented and the results of treatment in each group are described and discussed.     

DISTAL PHALANX FRACTURES IN HORSES

The case records of 274 horses with fractures of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Fifty-two horses had bilateral forelimb fractures, for a total of 326 distal phalanx fractures. The fractures were classified into one of five previously described types, based on the radiographic anatomic configuration of the fracture. Solar margin fractures, which have been briefly described in other reports and previously classified as type V fractures, were identified in 132 horses. This type of fracture is distinct from other distal phalanx fractures. Due to the high incidence of solar margin fractures, these fractures were classified as a separate type (type VI). Follow-up radiographic examinations to assess fracture healing were available for 36 horses. Twenty-two horses with distal phalanx fractures (three type I, nine type II, two type III, one type IV, one type V, and six type VI) had radiographic evidence of complete bony union of the fracture at a mean of 11 months after injury. Eight horses with complete type II fractures involving the articular surface had bony union of the body and solar margin, but not the subchondral bone at the articular surface, a mean of 11 months after injury. Six horses (four type II and two type IV) had little radiographic evidence of bony healing during the follow-up period. All fractures that eventually healed had evidence of progression toward bony union by 6 months after injury.     

Epidemiological investigation of femoral fractures in market pigs and the associated economic implications

The cause of an increased number of femoral fractures in market pigs from a single producer is described. Blood chemical, bone ash, radiographic, and feed analyses revealed that the fractures were caused by insufficient calcium in the diet. Associated economic and welfare implications are discussed.     

Condylar fracture of the cannon bone with axial sesamoid fracture in three horses

The case histories of three young thoroughbred racehorses with displaced lateral condylar fractures combined with an axial fracture of the lateral sesamoid bone are described. In two cases the condylar fracture was repaired surgically but both horses developed severe degenerative joint disease and remained lame. The third horse was destroyed humanely. It is important that axial fractures of the sesamoid bone are recognised so that a poorer prognosis can be given for treatment of condylar fractures in racing thoroughbreds.     

Cervical vertebral fracture in a Thoroughbred filly with minimal neurological dysfunction

Vertebral fractures in horses are relatively common and often occur due to trauma. Clinical signs may range from neck pain and mild neurological dysfunction to tetraplegia and death. Severity of signs and prognosis depends on extent of damage to the spinal cord. In this Case Report, serial radiographs, which track the bony changes associated with fracture healing, were performed over one year. Although surgical techniques have been described to repair fractures to the vertebrae, patients with minimal neurological deficit may have a favourable outcome with conservative medical management, as in this case.     

Use of a condylar screw plate for repair of a Salter-Harris type-III fracture of the femur in a 2-year-old horse

A 2-year-old sexually intact male Paint horse weighing 427 kg (940 lb) was admitted for examination and treatment of intermittent non-weight-bearing lameness of the right hind limb of 1 week's duration. Radiography revealed a displaced Salter-Harris type-III fracture of the right femoral condyle with the sagittal component of the fracture line located in the intercondylar space and the transverse component exiting on the medial aspect of the femur. The fracture was repaired with a condylar screw plate designed for repair of femoral condylar fractures in humans. The owner reported by telephone 9 months after surgery that the horse was sound. To our knowledge, use of this particular implant system for fixation of a Salter-Harris type-III fracture on the medial side of the femur in a horse has not been described. Results in this horse suggest that this implant can be successfully used for repair of femoral condylar fractures in selected adult horses.     

Surgical Treatment of a Palmar Midsagittal Fracture of the Proximal Second Phalanx in a Horse

Second phalangeal fractures have been classified as either simple or multiple and have been managed in a variety of ways. The removal of small osteochondral fragments originating from the palmar midsagittal aspect of the proximal second phalanx is reported. This lesion has been described as a coincidental finding unrelated to lameness. Based on our clinical finding of lameness in this case and the response to an intraarticular injection of anesthetic, excision of the fragment was elected. However, the importance of confirming the significance of a radiographic lesion with local anesthesia prior to surgical intervention must be stressed.     

Fracture repair with transfixation pins and fiberglass cast in llamas and small ruminants

Transfixation pinning with fiberglass casting is an effective and adaptable method of longbone fracture fixation in llamas and small ruminants. Treatment of fractures in 7 limbs of 4 llamas and 2 small ruminants with this technique are described. Steinmann pins are placed transcortically proximal, and if necessary, distal to the fracture. The pin ends and limb are encased in fiberglass cast material. The cast is strong enough in animals of this size to eliminate the need for external frames or connecting bars. Severely comminuted fractures and fractures near joints are especially suited to fixation with this technique. Complications encountered in these cases included loosening of pins and one delayed union. All fractures healed to permit full use of the limb.     

Radiographic technique to improve diagnosis of sagittal axial sesamoid fracture in racing Thoroughbreds with lateral condylar fracture

The current study identified 124 lateral condylar fractures of the distal metacarpus or metatarsus over a 6-year period. Thirty of 124 lateral condylar fractures were classified as displaced. Eight of 30 displaced lateral condylar fractures and 1/86 incomplete lateral condylar fractures had concurrent sagittal axial fracture of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone. A 20-degree DMPLO view is the most sensitive radiographic projection to identify sagittal axial fracture of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone. A flexed 20-degree DMPLO projection demonstrates displacement of complete sagittal axial sesamoid fractures. Radiographic identification of axial sesamoid fracture is critical to provide the most accurate prognosis for return to racing. Arthroscopic assessment of the axial sesamoid fracture and cartilage injury on the lateral proximal sesamoid bone, as well as post-operative progression, are described in four surgical cases.     

Fractures, dislocations and contusions in the Borneon orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus)--a review of 21 cases

The clinical features, radiographic findings and management of traumatic lesions in the orang utan are described with reference to 21 cases. Eight cases had fractures of the femur and five had humeral fractures; all the fractures were successfully treated. One case with a skull fracture (frontal parietal) died before treatment could be instigated. Five orang utans with contusions recovered with symptomatic treatment and rest.     

Fractures of the distal femur in the dog and cat

A series of fractures of the distal femur in the dog and cat are described and classified anatomically from radiographs. Treatment is discussed and the long-term results of surgery in twenty-four cases are described.     

Simple techniques for the internal stabilization of fractures and luxations in the sacrococcygeal region of cats and dogs.]

Two useful techniques for the repair of caudal sacral fractures and sacrococcygeal fractures/luxations are described. Pre- and postoperative clinical, neurological and radiological findings in 16 operated animals (13 cats and 3 dogs) were compared with findings in 17 (13 cats and 4 dogs) conservatively treated animals. In the surgically treated patients follow up findings were characterized by absence of hyperesthesia and a higher number of animals with recovered tail function. The authors suggest the use of these techniques in cases of caudal sacral fractures or sacrococcygeal fractures/luxations.