Effect of certain internal fixation devices on functional limb usage in dogs
Braden, T.D.; Brinker, W.O.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 162(8): 642-646
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 4697362 Document Number: 59114
Healing of limb fractures (serrated transverse midshaft) fixed by intramedullary (i.m.) pins, i.m. pins and half Kirschner splints, and bone plates was evaluated on the basis of functional performance of the injured limb. One femur in each of 61 Beagles was fractured and fixed with one of the three devices and function was observed for 10 weeks. Dogs with bone plates regained normal, full function of the injured limb in about 3.5 weeks. Dogs with i.m. pins and half Kirschner splints averaged 7.5 weeks, and dogs with i.m. pins averaged 9.2 weeks, until full function was restored.