The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
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The goal of any method of fracture repair should be the early return of total limb function and the prevention of fracture disease. This can be accomplished through adhering to the basic principles of good patient and fracture assessment, choosing the correct method of fracture repair, and appropriate patient care. The complications of external coaptation can be minimized by appropriate patient and fracture assessment as well as correct cast and splint application. Choosing external coaptation as a method of fracture repair can be rewarding as long as the appropriate steps are taken to ensure success.
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Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract. · Sep 1999
ReviewExternal skeletal fixation. Linear fixators.
Linear external skeletal fixators offer some unique advantages over other fixation systems; they are biomechanically versatile, minimize surgical trauma to the fracture environment, and allow for simple staged disassembly to help promote bone healing. Historically, the use of linear external skeletal fixators has been reported to result in numerous complications, primarily related to the pin-bone interface. ⋯ Increased knowledge of proper pin insertion techniques and advancements in pin design have greatly enhanced the longevity of the pin-bone interface, resulting in fewer complications. This article reviews some of the potential advantages of linear external skeletal fixators and principles of application to help strengthen the pin-bone interface and minimize complications.