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Gian Luca Rovesti, A. Margini, F. Cappellari, B. Peirone
Clinical application of intraoperative skeletal traction in the dog
Keywords: Dog, diaphyseal fracture, skeletal traction
The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of a method for pre-operative andintra-operative traction for reduction of fractures of theappendicular skeleton. Traction was used in 24 diaphysealfractures in 21 dogs. For each dog, the data pertainingto signalment, limb circumference, fracturetype, interval between fracture and surgery, and thetraction modalities were recorded. In patients with a latencybetween trauma and surgery of less than threedays, the duration of traction required to realign thebone segments was shorter than that required for olderfractures (P = 0.02). Intraoperative malalignmentswere corrected by manoeuvres performed with the tractionstand. Once realigned, fracture segments were keptstable for prolonged periods, without the need for asurgical assistant. Postoperative radiographs wereevaluated for fracture reduction and axial alignment.Postoperative alignment was judged excellent in 21fractures and good in three fractures. Fractures werestabilized using external skeletal fixation (n=10),plates (n=11) or locked nails (n=3), depending onthe fracture type. The use of the technique was straightforwardand easily applied in a surgical setting. However,its use requires careful application because of thepotential for iatrogenic tissue damage.
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Schattauer
Print ISSN: 0932-0814
Volume: 19
Pages: 14 - 19