Diagnosis

Most pet fractures result from traumatic injury. Whether a paw is caught in a hole on a morning run, a leap off that too high of a wall or a startled bolt into a busy street, every traumatic injury will require its own assessment and prioritization of care.

When our companions suffer traumatic injury that results in a broken bone, you will notice severe lameness in the affected limb/s.

Holding a limb off the ground, swelling, favoring or “toe-touching” and simply being unable or unwilling to walk are all signs of traumatic injury and, potentially, bone fracture.

Fractures are classified as complete or incomplete. Incomplete fractures do not cross the entire circumference of the bone and typically occur in young patients. Complete fractures split the bone into two or more segments.

There are three different types of complete fractures: transverse, oblique and comminuted.

A transverse fracture line travels at a 90° angle to the length of the bone. Oblique fracture lines cross the bone diagonally, creating pointed segments. Comminuted fractures involve multiple fracture lines that break the bone into three or more segments.

Diagnostic imaging and a physical exam by a veterinarian will determine priorities and treatment strategies. For major traumatic injuries, other systemic crises are possible and will need to be addressed prior to fracture treatment.

Treatment Options

Any bone in the body can break, but some pet fractures are more common than others. The location and classification of the break are major factors in determining which treatment is appropriate.

Broken bones are unable to resist the muscles that pull on them during movement.  In order for the bone to heal, stability and immobilization are needed.

There are three basic strategies for treating simple pet fractures:

1. External coaptation: A splint or cast is applied around the limb.
2. External fixation: A device is attached surgically to the bone with threaded pins that exit through the skin.
3. Internal fixation: A bone plate is surgically implanted on the surface of the bone or rod inserted within the bone.

Each method has its benefits and deficits.

A splint can be effective at immobilizing the leg but less able to resist torsion and compression when in use. Depending on the location and duration of wear, casts can cause skin irritation and contribute to infection risk.

External fixator devices are effective for bone healing, but because the device is worn outside the body, it can be cumbersome to patients. And because the device is anchored through the skin, each pin site must be kept clean in order to avoid infection. These devices are not recommended in instances where the pins would interfere with the movement of muscles and skin.

Internal fixation is the most challenging procedure technically, because it requires the operating surgeon to be well skilled in surgical anatomy and understand the principles of fracture repair.  But a well-placed plate is often the most consistent way to ensure quality bone healing, normal alignment and return to full function.

The optimum solution for many patients will be internal bone plating. Bone plates come in a variety of materials and styles. The quality of the implant and competency of the surgeon play a crucial role in the success of the repair.

Products and Solutions

KYON bone plating implants have been designed with an absolute focus on helping the surgeon to reduce the level of damage to blood perfusion and thus the risk of infection.

Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS^®) technology offers less iatrogenic trauma, greater versatility, increased overall stability and early fracture healing advantages for animals.