Fixation of sciatic bone fragments in unstable pelvic injuries in dogs

Abstract

Dogs with fractures of the ischial bones can be subjected to both – conservative treatment, in case of stable fractures, and operative treatment, in case of instable fractures. The techniques of fixation of the ischial bone fragments using epibone plates, rods, (drill) wires and wire are sufficiently wellknown. The aim of this research Is to estimate the surgical treatment of dogs with instable fractures of the ischial bone using the technique of intercortical and transosseous introduction of wires and subsequent fixation with an external construct. The case reports and X-rays of 400 dogs with pelvic injuries were studied. Conservative treatment was performed in 280 dogs and surgical – in 120 ones. Ischial bone fractures made up 33% of all pelvic injuries, and were revealed in 74% dogs. There were found two of the most often noted combinations of pelvic injuries which included the ischial bone. Fixation of the fragments of the body of ischial bone was performed using a wire introduced inraosseously from the caudal end of the ischial bone plate along the pelvic bone axis together with transosseous osteosynthesis of pelvic bones and articulations using a device of external fixation. The intercortical introduction of wires in case of ischium body fractures in different combinations of pelvic injuries was made in 63 dogs or in 52% cases of surgical treatment. The periods of union of ischial bone fractures were in adult dogs 60±10 days on the average, in young dogs under one year – 30±10 days. The review of literature and the analysis of clinical results for instable ischial fractures demonstrated the validity of surgical treatment. The use of little-invasive surgical approach to the ischial body during reposition, and intraosseous fixation of fragments using an intercortically introduced wire simultaneously with rigid external fixation allows to achieve anatomic and stable alignment and according good results of repairing both ischium in particular, and pelvis on the whole.