Results of screw/wire/polymethylmethacrylate composite fixation for acetabular fracture repair in 14 dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical results in dogs with acetabular fractures stabilized using a screw-wire-polymethylmethacrylate (SWP) composite fixation.


METHODS
A retrospective study of client-owned dogs with acetabular fractures.


METHODS
Fourteen dogs ranging in age from 4 to 95 months (mean, 34 +/- 25 months; median, 25 months) and body weight from 8 to 39 kg (mean, 25 +/- 6 kg; median, 27 kg).


METHODS
Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively evaluated to determine location of the fracture, presence of preexisting degenerative joint disease, accuracy of fracture reduction and complications associated with surgery. Long-term results were evaluated by subjective assessment of lameness, elicitation of pain and/or crepitus on manipulation of the coxofemoral joint, measurements of pelvic limb circumference, coxofemoral joint goniometric measurements, and radiographic evaluation.


RESULTS
Fracture reduction was considered anatomic in 13 dogs. At the time of the last follow-up evaluation (mean, 347 +/- 261 days; median, 380 days) 10 dogs were sound on the affected limb, three dogs had a subtle weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb, and the remaining dog had a consistent non-weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb. Mild (n = 10) or moderate (n = 1) degenerative changes of the affected coxofemoral joint attributed to the acetabular fracture and its repair were noted on the follow-up radiographs in 11 dogs. Limb circumference of the affected limb ranged from -8.2% to +10.8% (mean, -0.8 +/- 4.2%; median, -0.7%) of the contralateral limb.


CONCLUSIONS
The SWP composite fixation consistently maintained anatomic reduction, was associated with few complications, and yielded satisfactory clinical results.


CONCLUSIONS
The SWP composite fixation technique would seem to be an acceptable means of stabilizing acetabular fractures in dogs.
Lewis
D D
DD
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0126, USA.
Stubbs
W P
WP
Neuwirth
L
L
Bertrand
S G
SG
Parker
R B
RB
Stallings
J T
JT
Murphy
S T
ST
D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D008768:Methylmethacrylates