Use of Inverted Hybrid Constructs for Appendicular Long Bone Stabilization in Small Animals

Introduction: Circular–linear hybrid fixators are well-suited to address juxta-articular fractures in dogs and cats. In most instances, juxta-articular fractures are located adjacent to the distal end of the involved bone. In atypical cases the fracture may be located subjacent to the proximal articulation. In these select cases, the ring component is positioned proximally in what has been termed an inverted hybrid construct. The objective of this study was to document the use of inverted hybrid constructs for fracture stabilization in small animals.

Materials and Methods: The medical records including radiographs of all dogs and cats which had appendicular long bone fractures managed with inverted circular-linear hybrid fixators at two veterinary referral hospitals between December 2008 and July 2021 were reviewed.

Results: Thirteen animals, 12 dogs, and one cat, had fractures stabilized with inverted hybrid constructs. Eight of the dogs and the cat had tibial fractures (69%), three dogs had humeral fractures (23%), and one dog had a femoral fracture (8%). All fractures obtained osseous union, although five cases developed pin or wire tract complications. Time to complete fixator removal ranged from 2 to 16 weeks (mean + SD: 5.3 + 4.4 weeks).

Discussion/Conclusion: This descriptive case series illustrates the utility of inverted hybrid constructs for the stabilization of fractures located subjacent to the proximal articulation in skeletally mature and immature animals. All fractures healed uneventfully in a timely fashion. Clinical outcome was considered excellent in all cases.

Acknowledgement: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022