Assessment of long bone fractures healing outgoing minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in dogs.

Abstract

Introduction: Biological osteosynthesis, characterized by maximizing the potential of healing by balancing biology and mechanics in the fracture site is supported by orthopedic techniques which are basically assisting physiological bone healing process. Aims: This paper represents one side of a complex database that monitors the functional results of biological osteosynthesis in dogs. Indications of MIPO are considered to be multiple fractures and highly cominutive fractures with best results regarding time healing when compared with classical technique. Our aim is to compare MIPO and ORIF in cases of simple fractures. Materials and methods: A group of 12 dogs diagnosed with fractures of long bones (humerus, radius, femur, tibia) and treated by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis was assessed every two weeks until healing was X-ray certified. Obtained data were compared with those achieved by other authors for MIPO, but also already well-known results of ORIF, regarding healing time, degree of lameness, time of gait regaining and operative time in fact. Results: Our results indicate a healing time similar to classical techniques, ranging between 30 and 90 days, even if the literature mentions that minimally invasive techniques promotes bone healing due to local vascular protection by not opening the fracture site. Conclusion: Although the time healing is rated and the technique sometimes challenging, reduction of postoperative pain and early gait regaining are still two important advantages that pleads for MIPO.