<div>Background: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing has become a widely accepted, standard surgical technique for the repair of long bone diaphyseal fractures in children and adolescents however, references for its use in veterinary practice are still rare.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on ten clinical cases, selected randomly irrespective of their age, sex and breeds; diagnosed with long bone diaphyseal fractures. Titanium elastic intramedullary nailing was performed in all the cases. Clinical, orthopaedic and radiographic examinations were performed pre-operatively, just after surgery and at 15th, 30th and 60th post-operative days.&nbsp; 
 
Result: There was an increase in the mean weight bearing score during standing and walking from 0th day to 60th post-operative day. Post-operative radiographic examinations revealed increase in the mean values of bone formation score and bone union scores. The nails were removed easily in all the cases on 60th post-operative day. Five cases had complications; delayed wound healing (n=1) and slight nail migration from insertion site (n=4) which were managed conservatively and by cutting the extra lengths of the migrated nails. The clinical outcome on the basis of functional limb usage was excellent in seven cases, good in two cases and fair in one case. Overall, titanium elastic stable intramedullary nailing had good efficacy with respect to weight bearing in dogs without any systemic adverse effect.</div>

Titanium Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for the Repair of Long Bone Fractures in Dogs

<div>Background: Intramedullary pinning (IMP) is the most commonly used internal skeletal fixation technique. Threaded pins (also called Schanz Screws) provide a comparatively better holding strength than non-threaded tipped intramedullary pins. The present study was planned to evaluate and compare the efficacy of positive and negative profile end threaded intramedullary pins in the management of long bone fractures in dogs.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Eleven clients owned dog suffering from fracture of long bones were randomly divided in to two groups. Animals of group I (n=5) and group II (n=6) were treated with end threaded positive and negative profile intra medullary pin, respectively. The intramedullary pinning was done using 3 to 5.5 mm diameter pins under general anesthesia, the time taken for surgery, size of end threaded intramedullary pin used in each case was noted down. Radiographs were taken preoperatively, immediately after fixation and then at regular intervals till signs of radiographic healing were evident.&nbsp; 
 
Result: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of time taken for fixation/surgery and in healing time, with a gradual improvement in weight bearing postoperatively in both the groups. There was mild periosteal callus formation in all the cases when observed radiographically and the pins were removed after radiographic healing was evident in an anticlockwise manner using Jacob&rsquo;s chuck and key, under mild sedation. There was no complication like implant failure or pin tract sepsis or pin migration or pin breakage in any of the cases of two groups. However, passing the positive profile end threaded intramedullary pin in distal fragment is comparatively smoother and easier as compared to negative profile end threaded intra medullary pin.</div>

Evaluation of End-threaded Positive and Negative Profile Intramedullary Pins for Management of Long Bone Fractures in Dogs

Background: The use of synthetic bone substitute,b-tricalcium phosphate (&beta;-TCP) as an osteo-conductive material and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an osteo-inductive material is the alternate strategies for replenishing bone loss. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the bone healing efficacy of &beta;-TCP and PRP combination in dogs with long bone fracture repaired with threaded intramedullary pinning. 
 
Methods: Fifteen dogs were selected, which were allotted to two groups irrespective of age, breed and sex. In six dogs of Group I intramedullary pinning was performed, while in nine dogs of Group II &beta;-TCP and PRP was applied at fracture site after stabilising with intramedullary pin. Clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively on 15th, 30th and 60th day. 
 
Result: The mean weight bearing and radiographic union scores were better in group II animals as compared to group I at different time intervals. The present findings suggest that &beta;-TCP and PRP effectively enhances the bone healing in dogs with long bone fracture.

Evaluation of &beta;-tricalcium Phosphate (&beta;-TCP) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Combination for Fracture Healing in Dogs Stabilized with Intramedullary Pinning

<div>Background: Femur fractures are common in immature dogs. As compared to stainless steel, titanium implants are lighter and allow controlled micro-motion at the site of fracture that stimulates early callus formation by limiting stress shielding. Cited literature reports successful clinical use of titanium elastic nails for the stabilization of long bone fractures in young human patients; however, there is paucity of information on this technique is dogs. This study was planned with an objective to compare titanium elastic nails (TENS) and single end-threaded pin for the management of femoral fractures in young dogs. 
 
Methods: The study included 20 clinical cases (10 male and 10 female) of dogs suffering from distal femoral fracture with a mean&plusmn;SD age of 5.70&plusmn;5.60 month, body weight 11.09&plusmn;4.48 kg since 3.05&plusmn;2.35 days. The cases were divided into 2 groups; using TENS (n=10; group 1) and stainless steel end-threaded intramedullary pin (n=10; group 2).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Group 1 dogs demonstrated better fracture reduction score, early and uniform callus and better implant stability as compared to group 2, radiographically. Early weight bearing and minimum postoperative complications with better functional outcome including joint mobility was reported in group 1. In conclusions, TENS is superior fracture fixation technique for the repair of supracondylar or distal third femur fractures in young dogs with better functional outcome, minimal stiffness of stifle joint and early weight bearing, in comparison to single end threaded intramedullary pin.</div>

Comparison of Titanium Elastic Nailing and End-threaded Intramedullary Pinning for Distal Femoral Fractures in Young Dogs

<div>Background: Fracture repair is one of most common procedure carried out by veterinary clinicians. Fracture healing most of the time associated with delayed union, non-union and mal-uinon. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical, haemato-biochemical and radiological outcome in patients after implantation of &beta;-tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft substitute to promote the fracture healing. 
 
Methods: Eight clinical cases brought to the clinics with femur fracture were divided into two groups viz. A and B, with four animals in each group. Femur fractures were stabilized with intramedullary pinning and &beta;-TCP biomaterial and intramedullary pinning and &beta;-TCP plus autologous bone marrow aspirate (BMA) composite in group A and B respectively. The efficacy of fixation was studied on the basis of clinical evaluation, haemato-biochemical and radiographical parameters on day 0 and on 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th post-operative day.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Excellent weight bearing was noticed in group B. The overall functional outcome in group B was better in comparison to group A animals. Haematological parameters viz. haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count did not differ significantly within and between the groups. The biochemical parameters viz. serum calcium increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) on 7th and 15th post-operative day. A significant reduction in serum alkaline phosphatase level observed on successive post-operative days in both groups. Radiographs of fractures treated in both the groups showed good reduction and fracture fixation, early signs of fracture healing in group B than group A animals. The size of callus formation was more in group A than group B. No any graft related complications observed during the study period. The &beta;-tricalcium phosphate facilitated fracture healing and early ambulation of affected limb.</div>

<div>Evaluation of &beta;-Tricalcium Phosphate Biomaterial in Femur Fracture Repair in Dogs</div>

<div>Background: Fracture of long bones is a common orthopaedic condition noticed in dogs and its primary goal is to completely restore the function of the injured limb as early as possible. Osteo-conductivity of hydroxyapatite can be improved further by decreasing the particle size to nanometre range and incorporation of inorganic materials in hydroxyapatite can enhance osteoblast cell material interactions. Strontium, Zinc, Silver and Fluorine are known to play an important role in the bone formation and also affect bone material characteristics such as crystallinity, degradation behaviour and mechanical properties. When doped with plasma spray nanohydroxyapatite, these multi-ions cause no harm to the physical environment during the degradation process of hydroxyapatite as these are nontoxic and play significant role in bone metabolism, growth and nourishment. Bone markers have tremendous potential as a rapid and sensitive method for assessing the response of the skeleton to medical or surgical interventions providing valuable information regarding bone turn over in animals. Hence, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of multi-ion doped nano-hydroxyapatite coated intramedullary titanium implants in long bone fracture repair in dogs compared to the conventional intramedullary titanium implants through radiographical studies and evaluation of bone markers.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Radiographical evaluation, Sandwich ELISA kits developed by Bioassay technology laboratory. 
 
Result: Plasma spray nano-hydroxyapatite coated titanium intramedullary implants have shown excellent osteo-conductivity when doped with multi-ions of Strontium, Zinc, Silver and Fluorine facilitating rapid osteoblastic activity and rapid bone turnover at the fracture site and complete fracture healing by 3rd week post-operatively as evidenced by radiographic scores and a peak BALP (Canine Bone Alkaline Phosphatase) values and early limb usage. Bone reabsorption and bone tissue remodelling due to osteoclastic action at the fracture site was quicker when the multi-ion doped nano-hydroxyapatite coated titanium intramedullary implants were used which is evidenced by the radiographic scores and highest CTX (Canine C-telopeptide of Type 1 Collagen) values indicating completion of fracture healing and near completion of bone tissue remodelling by 9th post-operative week in long bone fracture repair in dogs.</div>

​Efficacy of Multi-ion Doped Plasma Spray Nano-hydroxyapatite Coated Titanium Implants in Long Bone Fracture Repair in Dogs- Radiographical and Bone Markers Evaluation

Background: Humeral fractures account for approximately 10% of appendicular fractures in dogs and present considerable surgical challenges due to the complex anatomy of the bone and its surrounding neurovascular structures. Despite the availability of multiple fixation techniques, the comparative clinical outcomes of these methods in naturally occurring canine humeral fractures remain insufficiently documented in the Indian subcontinental context. 
 
Methods: This prospective clinical study evaluated 19 dogs with unilateral humeral fractures managed surgically at the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, PVNR TVU, Rajendranagar, between 2021 and 2025. Fractures were classified using the AO/ASIF-Vet system. Fixation methods included plate-rod constructs (locking compression plate [LCP] combined with Steinmann intramedullary [IM] pins; n = 11), plate-only fixation (n = 4), IM pinning alone (n = 2), IM pin with cerclage wire (n = 1) and intramedullary interlocking nail (IILN; n = 1). All surgeries were performed via the standard craniolateral approach under general anaesthesia. Functional recovery was assessed using the lameness grading scale and radiographic healing was evaluated at 30, 60 and 90 days postoperatively. 
 
Result: All 19 dogs achieved weight-bearing by the 15th&nbsp;postoperative day, with the exception of cases involving transcondylar metaphyseal fractures, which attained weight-bearing by day 60. Mean lameness scores improved progressively from 4.0&plusmn;0.15 on postoperative day 1 to 1.0&plusmn;0.0 by day 90. Radiographic evidence of bone healing with stable implant positioning was observed in all cases by 90 days. Implant-related complications (pin loosening requiring early removal) were recorded in three cases involving plate-rod constructs for transcondylar and supracondylar fractures.

Clinical Evaluation of Surgical Management of Humeral Fractures in Dogs

<div>Background: External skeletal fixator (ESF) has been recommended as biological method to stabilize open fracture as it does not involves the wound site, besides protecting adjacent soft tissue structures. Considering the advantages of ESF, this study was envisaged with an objective to study the outcome of open fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula stabilized with linear ESF in dogs. 
 
Methods: This study included 17 dogs suffering from open long bone fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula, divided into three groups; linear ESF type I or II (group I, n=8) and type III (group II, n=3). In group III (n=6), open fractures were initially treated using conservative methods i.e management of open wound till complete healing followed by delayed internal fixation using intramedullary pin or bone plating. 
 
Result: Majority of the open fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula were transverse (64.71%), involving distal third diaphysis (47.06%) in heavy weight (54.55%), 1-3 year old (64.71%), non-descript (35.29%), male (88.23%) dogs due to automobile accidents (58.82%). Neutrophilic (81.47&plusmn;4.45%) leukocytosis (24610&plusmn;2461.88 per cumm) and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase were observed. Staphylococcus spp. was the common isolated bacteria sensitive to Gentamicin, Cefotaxime, Tobramycin, Amikacin and Neomycin. High per cent fractures (83.33%) in group III had acceptable functional outcome as compared to fractures treated with linear ESF (55.55%) in groups I and II. Osteomyelitis due to pin tract infections was the major complication (8/11; 72.7%) recorded in ESF groups (Group I and II) that lead to delayed and/or nonunion. Weight bearing score improved markedly after removal of the ESF frame. In conclusions, immediate fixation of the long bone fracture using linear ESF in the presence of open contaminated / infected wounds leads to unacceptable outcome. Poor animal compliance, pin tract discharge, osteomyelitis, delayed union and nonunion are major complications associated with linear ESF. Conservative management of the open fracture wound using standard treatment for 2-3 weeks till complete wound healing followed by internal fixation with intramedullary pin or bone plate is recommended for open long bone fractures in dogs.</div>

<div>Outcome of Open Long Bone Fractures in Dogs Stabilized with Linear External Skeletal Fixator</div>

<div>Background: Fracture is one of the common problems encountered in dogs. Fracture healing most of the times results into complications like delayed union, mal-union and non-union. To deal with these complications bone grafting is an important technique lying with clinicians. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on 14 clinical cases of dogs with femur fracture. After preliminary examination the dogs were randomly divided into two groups. In group A (n=8) fractures were managed by intramedullary pinning and in group B (n=6), fractures were managed by IM pinning and demineralised bone matrix (DBM) xenograft implantation at the fracture site. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed on the basis of clinical, hemato-biochemical and radiographic observation on day 0 and on 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th post-operative days.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The pain, lameness and weight bearing scores on the affected limb showed non-significant (P&gt;0.05) variations between the two groups on different post-operative intervals. The hematological parameters also varied non-significantly (P&gt;0.05) between the two groups. A significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in the serum alkaline phosphatase values was observed upto 30th post-operative day in group B animals as compared to group A animals and thereafter it gradually decreases and return to normal level on 60th post-operative day in both the groups. Radiographic scores were better in group B dogs. Early radiographic signs of fracture healing were observed in group B dogs than group A dogs. No any graft related complications were observed during the study.</div>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Clinical Evaluation Osteogenic Properties of Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) Xenograft in Femur Fracture in Dogs

Background: Effective perioperative pain management is essential in canine orthopaedic surgery to promote early recovery, improve animal welfare and minimize postoperative complications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely employed for perioperative analgesia; however, comparative analgesic evaluation of their efficacy in canine orthopaedic cases remains important. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on canine cases (n=18) presented for surgical management of long bone fractures (femur/humerus). The animals were randomly divided into three groups (n=6 each) based on analgesic protocols: Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg IM OD), carprofen (4 mg/kg SC OD) and tolfenamic acid (4 mg/kg IM OD). All animals were subjected to intramedullary pinning under a standardized anaesthetic regimen comprising atropine, dexmedetomidine, butorphanol and ketamine. Pre-emptive analgesics were administered and continued once daily for five days postoperatively. Pain was assessed using University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS), comprising of both physiological and behavioural parameters on 0, 1, 3 and 5 post-operative days. 
 
Result: All treatment groups exhibited significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in postoperative pain scores, indicating effective analgesia. Carprofen and Meoxicam treated animals consistently demonstrated lower physiological, behavioural and overall UMPS scores upto 3rd&nbsp;day postoperatively. However, Carprofen provided excellent pain control till complete recovery. In contrast, tolfenamic acid exhibited comparatively higher pain scores and less sustained analgesic efficacy till perfect healing. Behavioural parameters improved progressively in all groups with earlier normalization observed in the carprofen-treated animals. It was inferred that all three NSAIDs effectively reduced postoperative pain in canine orthopaedic cases; however, carprofen proved superior with sustained analgesic efficacy.

Titanium Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for the Repair of Long Bone Fractures in Dogs

Evaluation of End-threaded Positive and Negative Profile Intramedullary Pins for Management of Long Bone Fractures in Dogs

Evaluation of β-tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Combination for Fracture Healing in Dogs Stabilized with Intramedullary Pinning

Comparison of Titanium Elastic Nailing and End-threaded Intramedullary Pinning for Distal Femoral Fractures in Young Dogs

Evaluation of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Biomaterial in Femur Fracture Repair in Dogs

Efficacy of Multi-ion Doped Plasma Spray Nano-hydroxyapatite Coated Titanium Implants in Long Bone Fracture Repair in Dogs- Radiographical and Bone Markers Evaluation

Clinical Evaluation of Surgical Management of Humeral Fractures in Dogs

Outcome of Open Long Bone Fractures in Dogs Stabilized with Linear External Skeletal Fixator

Clinical Evaluation Osteogenic Properties of Demineralised Bone Matrix (DBM) Xenograft in Femur Fracture in Dogs

Comparative Analgesic Efficacy of Meloxicam, Carprofen and Tolfenamic Acid for Perioperative Pain Management in Canine Orthopaedic Cases