Classification of Fractures of Long Bones in the Dog and Cat: Introduction and Clinical Application

Abstract

A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described. It includes definitions of terms and a method of classification, based on fracture criteria seen on radiographs. This fracture classification was adapted from the AO/ASIF classification in man, to accomodate the special requirements of small animals. The localization and morphology of fractures were characterized with defined conventional terms, in order to assign an alpha-numeric code to each fracture. This coding system may also be used for computer filing of the data. With this classification system, the fractures are ranked in increasing severity and complexity for the various anatomical locations. This provides some prognostic and therapeutic informations. The system was used to code 1038 radiographically documented long bone fractures in dogs and cats. The distribution of fractures, with regard to their localization and morphology, was recorded. The system was easy to apply and proved to be able to supply valuable and reliable data.

A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described.

Key words

Dog - Cat - Long bones - Fracture classification - Fracture distribution - ORIF-Computer filing

• References

• 1 Strauss G. Systematisches Handbuch der Veterinärchirurgie. Braumüller und Seidel Verlag; Wien: 1845: 435-7.
• 2 Hertwig C H. Praktisches Handbuch der Chirurgie für Tierärzte. 2nd ed.. August Hirschwald Verlag; Berlin: 1859
• 3 Brinker W O, Hohn R B, Prieur W D. Manual of Internal Fixation in Small Animals. Springer Verlag; Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, London, Paris, Tokyo: 1984: 85-7.
• 4 Brinker W O, Piermattei D L, Flo G L. Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. W B Saunders Co; Philadelphia: 1983: 2-4.
• 5 Brinker W O. Type of fractures and their repair. in: Archibald, Canine Surgery. 2nd ed. Am Vet Publ Inc; Santa Barbara: 1974: 957-8.
• 6 Denny H R. A guide to canine orthopedic surgery. 2nd ed. Blackwell Scientific Publ; Oxford: 1980: 1-5.
• 7 Schebitz D H, Brass W. Allgemeine Chirurgie. Paul Parey Verlag; Berlin, Hamburg: 1975: 372-5.
• 8 Salter R B, Harris W R. Injuries involving the epiphyseal plate. J. Bone and Joint Surgery 1963; 45: 587-622.
• 9 Dee J F, Piermattei D L. Classification, Management and Repair of Central Tarsal Fractures in the Racing Greyhound. JAAHA 1976; 12: 398-405.
• 10 Johnson K A. Accessory Carpal Bone Fractures in the Racing Greyhound. Vet Surg 1987; 10: 60-4.
• 11 Müller M E, Nazarian S, Koch P. Classification AO des fractures. Springer Verlag; Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, London, Paris, Tokyo: 1987
• 12 Müller M E. translated by Schatzler AO-Classification of fractures. in: Handbook of the AO Documentation Center of the AO/ ASIF Foundation. Springer Verlag; Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, London, Paris, Tokyo; 1988
• 13 Unger M. Untersuchung der Anwendbarkeit der AO Klassifikation der Frakturen an den langen Röhrenknochen von Hund und Katze. Dissertation Vet.-Med. Fakultät Zürich; 1990. (in preparation).
• 14 Leonard E P. Orthopedic Surgery of the Dog and Cat. 2nd ed. W B Saunders Co; Philadelphia: 1971: 89.
• 15 Heim U F A. Die Grenzziehung zwischen Diaphyse und Metaphyse mit Hilfe der Vierecksmessung. Unfallchirurg; 1987; 90: 274-280.