METAPHYSEAL GROWTH-PLATE FRACTURES (MGPF) IN PETS: MANAGEMENT AND COMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Metaphyseal-growth-plate fractures were primarily observed in growing dogs and cats. Over the past 15 years (1986 - 2001), 86 fracture cases involved the long bones were diagnosed and managed in our clinic. Twenty-nine (33.7'\10) of these fractures involve the physcal-mctaphyseal region of the long bones. The bones involved were the humerus (2), radius (4), femur (16) and the tibia (7). Management was through open reduction and internal fixation in all cases. Internal fixation devices used included Intramedullary pins (1), Kirschner wires in cruciate fashion (18), circlage wires with Thomas splint (1), combination of Intramedullary pins and Kirschner wires (2), bone plates (1), nailing with single Kirschner wire (3) as well as femoral head ostectomies (3). Healing and good usage of involved limbs were achieved in 23 (79.3%) cases. The best results were achieved with the use of Kirschner wires in cross-pinning fashion. Complications encountered were ankylosing osteoarthritis (2), pvoarthritls-osteomyclitis complex (1), non-anatomical healing (2) and inability to fully extend the stifle joint (1).