Fracture Example

This patient was a small cat who received an unknown type of trauma to her hindlimb, causing a severe fracture of her left femur. There were multiple fragments, and the site was unstable. Unfortunately, a cast/splint, or a simple pin would not be sufficient to stabilize the fracture site and allow the bone to heal. 

During surgery, the bony fragments were reduced, and secured in place with a pin and circlage wire. Then a 1.5mm low contact dynamic compression plate (LCDCP) was placed in a buttress fashion to reduce the fracture and provide stability.  After a few days this lucky kitty was walking almost normally, and after 4-6 week of healing no lameness or clinical symptoms were noticed at all. 

This patient was a large adult dog who was stuck by a car. This caused a complete short oblique fracture of his tibia. Due to his size, the nature of the fracture and his energy level traditional methods of stabilization (splinting etc) had risk of failure or inadequate healing. 

During surgery, the fracture was reduced and a 3.5mm broad LCDCP was placed to stablize the fracture. By the time he arrived for his suture removal he was comfortable and walking almost normally. View the video below to watch him walk two weeks after surgery.