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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2007; 20(02): 131-135
DOI: 10.1160/VCOT-06-03-0027
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

The use of an external skeletal traction device for distal fractures in the dog

A clinical case series of 11 patients
M. Risselada
1   Department of Medical Imaging of domestic animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
P. Verleyen
1   Department of Medical Imaging of domestic animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
H. van Bree
1   Department of Medical Imaging of domestic animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
G. Verhoeven
1   Department of Medical Imaging of domestic animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 27 March 2006

Accepted 14 July 2006

Publication Date:
18 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in 11 patients were treated ‘closed’ with a specially designed External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) frame with a walking bar and traction applied to the digits. Mediolateral angulation had improved postoperatively in 10 of the 11 patients. Craniocaudal angulation had improved in eight patients and could not be evaluated in three due to ESF frame superimposition. At follow-up, eight patients had a good clinical function, whereas three patients were still slightly lame. Only minor ESF-related complications were seen (pin loosening, pin tract infection, cerclage wire breakage and bending of the frame), which resolved without intervention after frame removal.

Keywords

Fractures - external skeletal fixation - dogs
 

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