Minimally Invasive Repair of Acetabular Fractures in Dogs: Ex Vivo Feasibility Study and Case Report

Introduction: Current surgical techniques for acetabular fracture repair in dogs are invasive and carry the risk of iatrogenic sciatic nerve damage. The purpose of this study was to develop and describe 3D-printing assisted minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for acetabular fracture repair in dogs and assess the accuracy and feasibility of the technique in cadaver testing and a clinical case. We hypothesized that acetabular MIPO is feasible and would result in good reduction and absence of sciatic nerve injury.

Materials/Methods: Bone plates were contoured to 3D printed hemipelvic models derived from computed tomographic scans of five cadaver dogs (19–23 kg) and a clinical case (6 kg Chihuahua). Acetabular, ischial, and pubic osteotomies were performed in cadavers. A craniolateral approach to the ilium and caudal approach to the ischium were made and connected through epiperiosteal tunnels. Under fluoroscopic guidance, fractures were reduced, and pre-contoured bone plates were applied. Fracture gap, step defect, and pelvic angulation were assessed using postoperative 3D rendered computed tomographic images. Cadavers were dissected for subjective assessment of sciatic nerve injury. Radiographic and clinical follow-up was acquired for the clinical case.

Results: Small (<2 mm) fracture gaps and step defects (<1 mm), low (<5 degrees) pelvic angulation, and minimal (none, n = 4 and mild n = 1) sciatic nerve injuries were observed in cadaver testing. There was a slight (approximately 1 mm) medial displacement of the pubic segment and good functional outcome for the clinical case.

Discussion/Conclusion: Acetabular MIPO shows promise for acetabular fracture repair in dogs.

Acknowledgement: This study was funded by a gift provided by Edward Debartolo to the University of Florida.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022