Percutaneous pinning for fracture repair in dogs and cats

• Published in: The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice Vol. 42; no. 5; p. 963
• Main Authors: Kim, Stanley E, Hudson, Caleb C, Pozzi, Antonio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-09-2012
• Subjects: Animals; Bone Nails - veterinary; Cats - injuries; Cats - surgery; Dogs - injuries; Dogs - surgery; Fracture Fixation, Internal - instrumentation; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Fracture Fixation, Internal - veterinary; Fracture Healing; Fractures, Bone - surgery; Fractures, Bone - veterinary; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - veterinary; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1878-1306
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.07.002

This article describes the technique of percutaneous pinning in dogs and cats. Only acute fractures evaluated within the first 48 hours after trauma are selected for percutaneous pinning. Reduction is performed with careful manipulation of the fracture to minimize the trauma to the growth plate. After ensuring the fracture is reduced anatomically, smooth pins of appropriate size are inserted through stab incisions. Depending on the anatomic location, the pins are cut flush with bone or bent. The main advantages of this technique are the minimal surgical trauma and lower perioperative morbidity.