Introduction

Case 1 (Maltese, 1.8 kg, intact female, 5 months) and case 2 (poodle, 3.0 kg, intact female, 6 months) had left pelvic limb lameness and case 3 (Spitz, 3.3 kg, intact female, 6 months) had right pelvic limb lameness. On orthopedic examination, there were pain, crepitus, palpable instability and substantial soft tissue swelling on the affected side. No neurological deficits were identified. Radiographs revealed that left tibial proximal metaphysis fractures (fibula included) in cases 1 and 2 and right tibial proximal metaphysis fracture (fibula included) in case 3. In all cases, they had closed long-bone fractures with short juxta-articular fracture segments.

Objectives

The purpose of this report is to evaluate and to compare the effectiveness of CESF (circular external skeletal fixator) and hybrid ESF (external skeletal fixator) for the treatment of proximal tibial fractures in toy and small-breed dogs.

Methods

Under fluoroscopic guidance, proper placement of the ring fixation elements or hybrid construct was confirmed during surgery.

Results

Postoperative radiographs showed acceptable alignment and apposition of the previously identified fracture. The functional outcome was excellent in all cases.

Conclusion

Hybrid external skeletal fixation constructs and CESF provide similar healing time in the management of proximal metaphyseal/diaphyseal fractures.

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MEST) (2013R1A1A2009546).