Fracture Repair and Orthopedic Trauma

Fracture repair and orthopedic trauma management are critical services for pets that have suffered from broken bones, joint injuries, traumatic accidents, falls, or high-impact injuries.

It is commonly recommended for pets with fractures, joint injuries, or trauma requiring surgical stabilization to heal properly.

Each case is carefully evaluated to determine the most appropriate repair technique, supporting strong healing, pain control, and a safe return to normal activity. We focus on stability, healing, and a smooth recovery.

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Common Fracture Types

Simple vs. Comminuted

A simple fracture involves one break line (e.g., transverse or oblique), while comminuted fractures involve the bone breaking into three or more pieces.

Open Fractures

These occur when the bone penetrates the skin, posing a high risk of infection (osteomyelitis). These are surgical emergencies requiring immediate cleaning and stabilization.

Articular Fractures

Breaks that extend into a joint. These require perfect anatomic reconstruction to ensure smooth joint movement and prevent rapid-onset arthritis.

Physeal (Growth Plate) Fractures

Common in young, growing animals. If not repaired precisely and promptly, they can lead to permanent limb deformities or stunted growth.

Surgical Techniques

Unlike simple ligament tears, fractures often involve multiple fragments and significant soft tissue damage, requiring a customized mechanical solution for each patient.

Internal Fixation (Plates & Screws)

Most dogs begin “toe-touching” or light weight-bearing within 24–48 hours.

Intramedullary (IM) Pinning

A metal rod is placed down the hollow center of the bone. It is often combined with cerclage wire to prevent the bone fragments from rotating or sliding.

External Skeletal Fixation (ESF)

Used when the skin is too damaged for internal hardware. Pins are driven through the bone and connected to an external frame or “cage” outside the limb.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO)

For certain fractures, surgeons use specialized tools and X-ray guidance to slide plates into place through tiny incisions, preserving the natural blood supply and speeding up healing.

Expected Outcomes & Success Rates

High Success Rate: With modern implants, approximately 90-95% of pets return to normal or near-normal function.
Healing Timeline: Bone fusion typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. Younger animals heal significantly faster than older ones.
Early Weight-Bearing: Most pets begin using the limb within 10–14 days of rigid surgical stabilization, though strict activity restriction is mandatory until X-rays confirm full healing.

Post-Operative Recovery

Strict Confinement

This is the most critical factor. Pets must be kept in a crate or small room with no jumping, running, or stairs for at least 8 weeks.

Follow-up Imaging

X-rays are typically performed at 8, and 12 weeks to monitor the progress of the bone callus and ensure the implants remain secure.

Physical Rehabilitation

Once the bone is stable, physical therapy such as underwater treadmill sessions are used to rebuild atrophied muscle and restore joint flexibility.