Abstract
Objectives To quantify and evaluate risks of complications attributable to external skeletal
fixator (ESF) usage in dogs.
Methods A retrospective review of medical records following ESF placement.
Results Case records of 97 dogs were reviewed; fixator-associated complications occurred
in 79/97 dogs. Region of ESF placement was significantly associated with complication
development (p = 0.005), not complication type (p = 0.086). Complications developed most frequently in the tarsus (9/10), manus (8/9)
and humerus (8/9). Superficial pin-tract infection and implant failure occurred in
38/97 and 17/97 dogs, respectively. Superficial pin-tract infection occurred frequently
in the femur, humerus, radius and ulna and the pes, with implant failure frequent
in the tarsus and deep pin-tract infection in the manus and tibia. Transarticular
frames were significantly more likely to develop a complication (p = 0.028). Age was significantly associated with complication development (p = 0.029). No associations between breed, sex, weight, fracture type (open or closed),
ESF classification and the incidence or type of complications were identified. No
associations between, breed, age, sex, weight, fracture type (open or closed), ESF
classification and the time to complication development were identified.
Clinical Significance Fixator-associated complications are common in dogs, with the majority of complications
related to implant infection. Region and placement of transarticular frames should
be carefully considered when selecting stabilization method.
Keywords
external fixator - postoperative complication - dog - canine
