How Rata Manages Fracture Cases
As a referral service we have experince treating a broad range of trauma cases, in fact we average twenty-five fracture treatments every month. These range from a the more straightforward tibial fractures in young dogs to the complex comminuted humeral fractures and pelvic trauma cases.Our aim with these cases is to respond to any new case submission within two hours of the case being submitted, providing case management advice and surgery estimate within .These cases can create anxiety for pet owners and referring vets alike, so a swift plan of action can alleviate this time of stress.
Our team of surgeons hold ’emergency days’ in thier diaries each week to ensure we have the capacity to manage fracture cases quickly. We try to ensure our pricing is very competitive to prevent amputation or non-treatment.
There will be cases where requirement for intesive monitoring and care mean they do not suit the visiting surgeon approach and we will be clear in our referral reports about which cases should be referred to tertiary referral centres.
Implants and Systems
Things rarely stay the same, and when considering the ever evolving fracture management systems, this couldn’t be closer to the truth. It is incredible to think that just twenty years ago, Dynamic Compression Plates (DCP) were the gold standard plate implant in comparison to present day where we are now routinely using locking systems and anatomical specific implants such as the Fusion LEAP Plates.
Rata stocks a variety of implants to ensure that we have the best available to manage any fracture. We have several locking plate systems. Each has complementary characteristics that allow us great flexibility in selecting the appropriate implant system for any given case.
This results in our team having a range of implant system sizes from 1.0mm – with a 0.7mm drill bit(!) – through 1.5,2.0,2.4,2.7,3.5 and 4.5mm systems. So from Chihuahua metacarpal to Great Dane femur, we should have you covered.
Implants moving with the times
The Fusion pre-contoured Lateral Epicondylar Anatomic Plates (LEAP) have been developed for elbow fractures in English Springer Spaniels and French Bulldogs. Their design contributes towards a robust repair, with minimal intra-operative contouring ensuring a faster surgical procedure.
N2
N2 locking plates use a combination of DCP holes (to allow compression of a fracture or osteotomy) and Evolox holes to allow locking screws to be placed. The Evolox system is polyaxial which means locking screws can be angled away from joints or fracture lines making this a very versatile system. We routinely use N2 TPLO plates in our cruciate surgeries, and this flexible system can be used for a range of fracture repairs. N2 supply a number of plates specifically designed for certain procedures such as joint arthrodeses and distal femoral osteotomies, but can also build custom plates for us should we require something a little more specialised than their “off the shelf” range.
Pins and Wires
The most common fractures in which these are useful are: tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures and malleolar fractures. In both of these fractures a pin and tension band wire converts the distractive forces of tendon or ligamentous attachments to the fractured bone into compressive forces across the fracture site. The other site where this technique is adopted is to reattach the greater trochanter following osteotomy when accessing acetabular fractures. Arthrodesis wire is used to stabilise physeal injuries in a ‘cross pin’ fashion.
External Fixators
A trans-articular external skeletal fixator (TA-ESF), for management of tarso-crural luxation in a cat.IMEX and Securos TITAN Linear External Fixators
These systems uses carbon fibre connecting bars and four part clamps providing intraoperative flexibility in the placement of pins. The carbon bars are lightweight and radiolucent, allowing accurate radiographic assessment of fracture healing, something that is not always straightforward with metal connecting bars.
The TITAN system uses a dedicated jig for placement of pins. This means Type 2 fixators can be placed accurately and rapidly without the need to manipulate and make do, as is often the case with other systems.
Placement of positive profile pins is simple, resulting in a durable stable fixation. These systems are also suitable for transarticular external skeletal fixators.
IMEX Hybrid and Ring Fixators
Hybrid and ring fixators allow the treatment of complex juxta-articular fractures and simple angular limb deformities. We have all sizes available from the mini system suitable for cats and toy dogs, up to the large size for heavier dogs.
For the post operative care of fracture cases, please visit the resource section of our website.
