Treatment of bicondylar femoral fractures complicated by concurrent ligament or tendon injuries in four dogs

G. H. Frydman; L. C. Cuddy; S. E. Kim; A. Pozzi

doi:10.3415/VCOT-14-01-0003

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2014; 27(04): 324-332
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-14-01-0003

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Treatment of bicondylar femoral fractures complicated by concurrent ligament or tendon injuries in four dogs

G. H. Frydman

¹Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

,

L. C. Cuddy

¹Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

,

S. E. Kim

¹Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

,

A. Pozzi

¹Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

Objective: Retrospective case series describing the surgical treatment and outcome in dogs with bicondylar femoral fractures complicated by ligament or tendon injuries.

Methods: Medical records were reviewed for three immature and one mature dog with traumatic bicondylar fractures of the distal femur and concurrent ligament or tendon injury treated surgically. Data retrieved included physical examination, imaging, and treatment. Long-term follow-up and return to function was assessed by owner feedback, physical examination, radiology, and force plate analysis. The immediate, four-week, and two-year postoperative outcomes were described.

Results: All four dogs were presented with injuries to either the cranial or caudal cruciate ligament. Only two dogs underwent surgical repair of the caudal cruciate ligament. Anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation of the distal femoral fractures was performed using a combination of lag screws, Kirschner wires, and bone plates. At the long-term follow-up, all cases had good to excellent return to function, as assessed by force plate analysis and owner assessment of quality of life and satisfaction. Radiographs revealed evidence of complete fracture healing, with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the stifle.

Clinical significance: Bicondylar femoral fractures can be associated with ligament or tendon injuries. Anatomical reduction and internal fixation of bicondylar femoral fractures is recommended and may offer a good to excellent return function, with or without repair of associated caudal cruciate ligament injuries.

Keywords

Bicondylar - fracture - femur - soft tissue - stifle

Full Text

References

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