Closed Reduction and Fluoroscopic-Guided Percutaneous Pinning of Femoral Capital Physeal or Neck Fractures: 13 Fractures in 11 Dogs

Case Reports: Femoral capital physeal or neck fractures in dogs can be challenging to treat. Existing surgical repair options typically involve open reduction and stabilization. The purpose of this study is to report the outcome of closed reduction and fluoroscopic-guided percutaneous pinning (FGPP) in dogs with femoral capital physeal or neck fractures. Medical and radiographic records were reviewed. Eleven dogs with 13 fractures of the femoral capital physis or femoral neck met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 8.5 months and median body weight was 20.3 kg. A traumatic event was noted in 11/13 cases. There was minimal to mild radiographic displacement of the fracture pre-operatively in 10/13 cases. The median time from injury to surgery was 5.5 days. The quality of reduction was deemed anatomical in 11/13 cases, and near anatomical in 2/13 cases. Complete uneventful healing was documented in 9/13 fractures at a median of 43 days post-operatively. Major complications occurred in 4/11 cases and included intra-articular implants, nonunion, implant migration, and loss of fracture reduction. Of these four complications, one was resolved with implant removal, and a salvage procedure was recommended in the remaining three cases. Of the three cases requiring salvage procedures, two originally presented with radiographic evidence of fracture chronicity.

Overall, satisfactory fracture healing and limb function was achieved in 10/13 cases. Mild apple-coring was noted in two of these 10 cases. With accurate surgical technique and appropriate case selection, FGPP can be used to successfully treat femoral head and neck fractures.

Proprietary/Conflict of Interest: Travel funds were provided by a gift from Edward Debartolo to the University of Florida.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022