Management of femoral fractures in dogs with unilateral semicircular external skeletal fixators.

Objective: To report use of semicircular external skeletal fixators (ESF) for management of femoral fractures in dogs.

Study Design: Prospective clinical study.

Animals: Dogs (n=16) with femoral fractures (n=18).

Methods: A semicircular ESF system composed of 6-hole 45° or 5-hole 40° carbon-fiber arches, 6 mm threaded rods, half pin fixation bolts, 6 mm nuts, and negative profile end-threaded half pins were used for open repair of femoral fractures. ESF configuration, complications, limb use, fixator removal time, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor.

Results: Seventeen fractures with sufficient follow-up healed. Eight dogs started using the limb immediately after waking up from anesthesia whereas initial limb use was 1-4 days after repair in the other dogs. Time to fixator removal ranged from 28 to 63 days (mean, 38 days). Functional outcome was excellent in 13 cases, good in 4, and poor in 1 nonunion.

Conclusion: Semicircular ESF combined with open surgical reduction can be used to successfully repair metaphyseal and diaphyseal femoral fractures in young growing dogs.