Minimally invasive osteosynthesis with locked plate with no intraoperative imaging for tibial fractures in dogs

ABSTRACT

Advances in the comprehension of bone healing and complications of treatment of fractures have occurred. Less invasive procedures have been advocated. A minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is one of the ways to avoid tissue damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of MIPO in tibial fractures in dogs, with no intraoperative imaging. Ten dogs presenting tibial fracture were used. Deambulation, swelling and radiographic changes were evaluated preoperatively, just after the procedure and at 15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 days postoperatively. After 15 days of surgery 80% dogs were able to walk with slight swelling or without swelling. After 30 days all dogs have supported the member to walk and had no swelling. All dogs presented initial radiographic signs of bone healing after 15 postoperative days and it can be seen that the average clinical union occurred at 42.5 days. The treatment of tibial fractures by MIPO is an effective alternative resulting in early and effective clinical union and can be performed without the use of image intensifiers.

Keywords: healing; surgery; orthopedic implants; orthopedics; biological internal fixation