Small Animal Ortho: Internal Fracture Fixation

Question 1

What are the factors that need to be considered for fractures?

Answer 1

info about patient
info about the fracture
knowledge of fracture biomechanics & healing
knowledge of fixation devices

Question 2

What forces need to be neutralized for fracture fixation?

Answer 2

bending
torsional/rotaional
compressional; axial load
distraction

Question 3

What things that we should keep in mind when reconstructing fractures?

Answer 3

fracture reduction;50% contact
fracture alignment
proper use & technique
bone viability
open but do not touch
avoid stripping periosteum
avoid kerns
reconstruct only what helps biomechanically

Question 4

Where are good places to take bone grafts from?

Answer 4

proximal humerus
wing of ilium
proximal tibia
distal femur

Question 5

How does a bone graft help fracture healing?

Answer 5

Osteogenesis: help form callus
Osteoinduction: stimulate body to create more
Osteoconduction: scaffolding/decrese gap
Osteopromotion: cause migration of cells for healing

Question 6

What is plate rod fixation?

Answer 6

Intra medullary pin placed prior to plating

Question 7

How does plate rod fixation work?

Answer 7

Establish proper alignment & length
maintains alignment while plate is applied
reduces plate strain & increase fatigue life
allows microstrain @ fracture (stimulates healing) if pin occupies 35-40% of medullary cavity
less manipulation of fragments

Question 8

What are the uses for external skeletal fixation?

Answer 8

Open fractures
corrective osteotomies

Question 9

What are the advantages of external skeletal fixation?

Answer 9

versitile
adjustable
open or closed applications
preserve extraosseous blood supply

Question 10

what are the types of external skeletal fixation devices?

Answer 10

Type 1: uniplaner
Type 2:biplaner
Type 3: uniplaner & biplaner
hybrid ESF

Question 11

What is a hybrid ESF?

Answer 11

Ring component that is either complete or partial
wire or pin fixation elements secured to ring
SK clamps or fixation pins as linear components

Question 12

What are the advantages of a hybrid ESF?

Answer 12

can stabilize short juxta-articular fracture segments & utilize the principles of biologic fixation
minimize morbidity by avoiding placement of wire through prominent muscle masses