title: Arthrodesis tarsocrural or tarsometatarsal in 2 dogs using circular external skeletal fixator.
abstract: An external fixation technique, using a circular fixator, to obtain arthrodesis was evaluated in 2 dogs with infected open lesions and soft tissue damage. In both cases, articular cartilage was curetted, and devitalized bone and necrotic soft tissue were removed. No bone graft was used. The wounds were maintained open and the dogs received postoperative antibiotic therapy. The arthrodesis site was compressed progressively as needed. Infection was eradicated and bony union was obtained in both dogs. It was concluded that the use of a circular fixator is an effective method to achieve arthrodesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo State (UNESP) Botucatu, Brazil. sheilacr@fmvz.unesp.br
authors.forename: Sheila C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Rahal
authors.forename: Reinaldo S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Volpi
authors.forename: Khadije
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hette
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Teixeira Neto
authors.forename: Luiz C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Vulcano
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome