Short-term complications of internal versus external fixation of closed diaphyseal tibial fractures in 95 skeletally immature dogs

Abstract

Objective: To determine the influence of fixation method (internal vs. external) on short-term postoperative complications of closed diaphyseal tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs. Study design: Retrospective observational multicenter study. Animal population: Skeletally immature dogs stabilized with internal fixation (IF) via plate osteosynthesis (n = 59) and external skeletal fixation (ESF) (n = 36). Methods: Medical records from skeletally immature dogs with closed tibial diaphyseal fractures were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, fracture morphology, etiology, fixation technique, surgeon status, complications, time to discharge and time to final discharge. Results: The total complication rate for IF was lower at 20.3% (p