• Noel Fitzpatrick, Jerry O Riordan, Thomas J Smith, Jola H Modlinska, Russell Tucker, and Russell Yeadon.
• Fitzpatrick Referrals, Halfway Lane, Eashing, UK. noelf@fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk
• Vet Surg. 2011 Dec 1;40(8):1015-22.

ObjectiveTo report surgical technique, clinical experiences, and long-term outcomes of combined intramedullary/external skeletal fixation of metatarsal (MT) and metacarpal (MC) fractures in dogs and cats.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsDogs (n = 12); 19 cats.MethodsClinical and radiographic records of animals managed by combined intramedullary/external fixation of MT/MC fractures were reviewed. Signalment, fracture configuration, complications, and subjective clinical findings were recorded. Surgical technique involved retrograde intramedullary pin placement into fractured MT/MC bones, and transverse pin placement in the base of the MT/MCs or tarsal/carpal bones. Contoured pin ends were enshrouded dorsally in epoxy resin and implants maintained until fracture union. Postoperative clinical and radiographic reassessment was performed where possible.ResultsSmall breed dogs (n = 12) and 19 cats were operated. Fixator removal occurred in < 10 weeks in all cases. Complications included synostosis (n = 2), pin tract discharge (7), excessive postoperative swelling (8), skin abrasions from the frame (2), and paw distortion associated with frame impingement (2). Long-term radiography documented degenerative changes associated with MT-phalangeal or MC-phalangeal joints in 2 dogs; 7 cats, but changes were typically graded mild or moderate and affected only 1 or 2 joints.ConclusionsCombined intramedullary/external fixation of MT/MC fractures is viable, particularly juxta-articular fractures. Pin penetration of MT-phalangeal or MC-phalangeal joints may cause morbidity and requires further study.© Copyright 2011 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

33 keywords...

hide…