Standard Plate Fixation
Standard Plate fixation is the most common
form of internal repair. Bone plates are applied
using screws to align, stabilize, and unite bone
ends. Plates can be combined with screws
and pins as need to help stabilize the fracture.
Once the fracture has been repaired it the
bone needs time to heal. This means that the
load placed on the repaired bone needs to be
kept at a minimum. Meaning no running,
jumping, or playing for your pet until your
surgeon tells you it's OK. Fracture healing and
hence the duration of postoperative care,
depends on the type of repair and the age of
the patient. On average, patient activity is
restricted 8-12 weeks. Less than 5% of
patients will require implant removal due to
adverse reaction.
External Skeletal Fixation
External skeletal fixation has been available to
veterinarians for many years. There has been
a recent resurgence in the use of these
devices, as surgeons are finding that
minimally invasive reduction of bone
fragments combined with rigid fixation
provides a more biologic method of fixation
for many fractures. An IMEX™ SK External
Skeletal Fixation System is shown above. Pins
are placed from the outside of the limb into
the bone and held in place with connecting
bars. Animals are comfortable and usually
begin walking on the injured limb within 2
weeks.
Again once the fracture has been repaired the
bone needs time to heal. No running,
jumping, or playing is allowed until your
surgeon tells you it is OK. On average, patient
activity is restricted 10-14 weeks. After the
bone is healed the pins are removed under
sedation.
Please visit our page on post-op care for more
information
Fracture Repair
Fractured humerus
Fractured humerus repaired with
two plates and screws
two plates and screws
Fractured humerus repaired with
External Skeletal Fixation
External Skeletal Fixation
