Management of Humeral Fractures in Dogs By Using Semicircular External Fixator and Intramedullary Pin Tie-in Combination

Abstract

The purpose of present study was to report our experience with use of semicircular external skeletal fixator-intramedullary pin tie-in configurations for management of various types of humeral fractures in 33 dogs. Fracture description, history, frame configuration, complications, limb use, fixator removal time, and functional outcome were evaluated. All of the fractures except one with sufficient follow up healed. Twenty-six dogs started to use the operated limb in 1 to 3 days after the operation whereas initial limb use was 4 to 9 days in the other 7 dogs. Destabilization of the frame was performed between 21 to 42 days (median, 32 days) by removal of the IM pin. Time to fixator removal ranged from 42 to 96 days (mean, 56 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 26 cases, good in 6, and poor in 1 dog. As a result of this study, in which all the fractures except one healed, we believe that the unilateral semicircular ESF-IM pin tie-in configurations can be used as an alternative fixation method for the management of humeral fractures in dogs. The patients used the operated limb early in the postoperative period and limb use was improved throughout the healing period.