Ultrasonographic and radiographic assessment of uncomplicated secondary fracture healing of long bones in dogs and cats

Abstract

Objectives - To evaluate the use of ultrasonography (US) to detect bone healing in uncomplicated diaphyseal fractures of dogs and cats, and to compare these observations with detection of healing by radiography (RG). Study Design - Clinical study. Animals - Dogs (33) and cats (11). Methods - RG and brightness mode US were used to follow uncomplicated secondary fracture healing. Fractures were examined at admission and then every 2-4 weeks until healed or implant removal. Temporal differences in definitive detection of healed fracture by imaging technique were examined by species, patient age, bone, and fracture type. Results - US images obtained during uncomplicated secondary fracture healing were consistent with images of fracture healing described in humans. Mean time to US diagnosis of a healed fracture (mean 46 days) was significantly shorter than by RG (mean 66 days). Mean time until diagnosis of a healed fracture (US and RG) did not differ significantly between open and closed treatment. Patients < 7 months (n = 9) healed significantly faster (P 36 months (n = 11), but there was no significant difference between the latter 2 groups. Diagnosis of a healed simple fracture by US was significantly quicker than for a comminuted fracture (P