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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2004; 17(04): 204-209
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1633409
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Use of circular external skeletal fixator constructs to stabilize tarsometatarsal arthrodeses in three dogs

K. B. Halling
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and the Center for Veterinary Sports Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
,
D. D. Lewis
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and the Center for Veterinary Sports Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
,
R. W. Jones
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and the Center for Veterinary Sports Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
,
R. C. Hill
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and the Center for Veterinary Sports Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
,
G. M. Anderson
1   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and the Center for Veterinary Sports Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 10 February 2004

Accepted 04 April 2004

Publication Date:
07 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

This report describes the use of circular external skeletal fixator (CESF) constructs for the stabilization of unilateral tarsometatarsal arthrodeses in three dogs with traumatic intertarsal or tarsometatarsal fracture/luxation injuries. The application of the CESF was performed following a limited approach to the intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints. All three of the dogs developed post-operative wire tract inflammation with drainage and two dogs developed osteomyelitis. These complications resolved with systemic antibiotic administration, debridement, and/or wire removal, after which all of the dogs tolerated the CESF well and resumed weight-bearing on the affected limb. The mean time to CESF removal was 16 weeks. The CESF construct provided sufficient stabilization for progressive union of the tarsometatarsal arthrodeses with a good long-term functional outcome in all three of the dogs.

Keywords

Tarsal luxation - arthrodesis - circular external fixation
 

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