Summary
The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of a
method for pre-operative and intra-operative traction for reduction of fractures of
the appendicular skeleton. Traction was used in 24 diaphyseal fractures in 21 dogs.
For each dog, the data pertaining to signalment, limb circumference, fracture type,
interval between fracture and surgery, and the traction modalities were recorded.
In patients with a latency between trauma and surgery of less than three days, the
duration of traction required to realign the bone segments was shorter than that required
for older fractures (P = 0.02). Intraoperative malalignments were corrected by manoeuvres
performed with the traction stand. Once realigned, fracture segments were kept stable
for prolonged periods, without the need for a surgical assistant. Postoperative radiographs
were evaluated for fracture reduction and axial alignment. Postoperative alignment
was judged excellent in 21 fractures and good in three fractures. Fractures were stabilized
using external skeletal fixation (n=10), plates (n=11) or locked nails (n=3), depending
on the fracture type. The use of the technique was straightforward and easily applied
in a surgical setting. However, its use requires careful application because of the
potential for iatrogenic tissue damage.
Keywords
Dog - diaphyseal fracture - skeletal traction
