| This is an case study that demonstrates our ability
to repair fractured limbs using ASIF bone plating equipment.
 "Tallica"
is a 10 week old golden retriever puppy who came to us complaining of
non weight bearing lameness on the right hind leg. The owners were away
for the afternoon and came back to find Tallica limping and crying. They
rushed her to our hospital where she was examined by Dr. Shufer. 
On presentation, Tallica was anxious but in generally good spirits.
She was not bearing weight on her right hind leg. During careful
palpation, Dr. Shufer was able to isolate the pain to the area just
below the knee. Tallica was sedated after pre-operative blood tests
were run to make sure she did not
have any internal abnormalities that might make sedation risky.
Radiographs of the limb revealed an oblique fracture of the Tibia (bone
below the knee)
The owners were given the options of internal fixation with a bone
plate which is considered to be the "gold standard" for fracture repair,
external fixation with a pins and connecting rods, or to splint the limb
and hope for adequate healing. The owners deliberated for a short while
and opted to have the bone plating performed since it had the best
prospect for success.
Tallica was placed under isoflourane gas anesthesia and was attached to
a number of vital signs monitors including Pulse Oximetry, Blood
Pressure, Respiratory and Electrocardiogram. Her leg was prepared for
sterile surgery by our trained technicians. Doctor Shufer, assisted by
Dr. Henderson performed the repair by isolating the fracture, reducing
it (bringing the pieces as close together as possible) and stabilizing
it with a stainless steel 5 hole plate. The picture to the left shows
the plate on the bone. The muscles and skin is then closed over the
plate and the skin was closed with surgical staples.
 After
the surgery, radiographs were taken to make certain that the repair was
appropriate and to document the position of the plates and screws for
future reference.
Tallica was treated with long acting pain medication at the time of
surgery and went on to recover in minutes after the anesthetic was
turned off. She spent 2 days in the hospital and was discharged to her
relieved parents with her tail wagging.
She will have to have very restricted activity for 10 weeks, but the
prognosis for return to full function is excellent. |
