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Sherman et al: Linear external skeletal fixation applied in minimally invasive fashion for stabilization of nonarticular tibial fractures in dogs and cats
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • 55 cases (49 dogs, 6 cats) with nonarticular tibial fractures were treated using linear ESF with a minimally invasive approach
  • All fractures achieved radiographic union; no unacceptable outcomes were reported
  • 40% complication rate, mostly minor (82%), primarily pin-tract morbidity; major complications (7%) included osteomyelitis and refracture
  • Open fractures had significantly more major complications than closed ones (P = .019)
  • Use of intraoperative imaging (72% cases) reduced surgery time but did not improve alignment (P > .05)
  • Median surgery time: 74 min with imaging vs. 100 min without (P = .046)
  • TPA was lower than normal in both dogs and cats, but did not correlate with poor outcomes
  • 62% had full clinical recovery, and 38% had acceptable outcomes at fixator removal

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← Articles

Sherman et al: Linear external skeletal fixation applied in minimally invasive fashion for stabilization of nonarticular tibial fractures in dogs and cats
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • 55 cases (49 dogs, 6 cats) with nonarticular tibial fractures were treated using linear ESF with a minimally invasive approach
  • All fractures achieved radiographic union; no unacceptable outcomes were reported
  • 40% complication rate, mostly minor (82%), primarily pin-tract morbidity; major complications (7%) included osteomyelitis and refracture
  • Open fractures had significantly more major complications than closed ones (P = .019)
  • Use of intraoperative imaging (72% cases) reduced surgery time but did not improve alignment (P > .05)
  • Median surgery time: 74 min with imaging vs. 100 min without (P = .046)
  • TPA was lower than normal in both dogs and cats, but did not correlate with poor outcomes
  • 62% had full clinical recovery, and 38% had acceptable outcomes at fixator removal

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Sherman 2023 et al., on minimally invasive ESF, what percentage of fractures achieved radiographic union?

A. 82%
B. 90%
C. 100%
D. 96%
E. 75%

Answer: 100%

Explanation: All fractures (55/55) achieved radiographic union.
In Sherman 2023 et al., on minimally invasive ESF, what was the most common minor complication?

A. Implant migration
B. Delayed union
C. Refracture
D. Pin-tract morbidity
E. Non-weight-bearing lameness

Answer: Pin-tract morbidity

Explanation: 82% of complications were minor; pin-tract morbidity was most common.
In Sherman 2023 et al., on minimally invasive ESF, which group had a significantly higher rate of major complications?

A. Dogs with comminuted fractures
B. Cats with closed fractures
C. Dogs over 20kg
D. Open fractures
E. All fractures using type II frames

Answer: Open fractures

Explanation: Open fractures had more major complications than closed (P = .019).
In Sherman 2023 et al., on minimally invasive ESF, how did intraoperative imaging affect surgery time?

A. Increased by 40 minutes
B. No effect
C. Decreased from 100 to 74 minutes
D. Increased fluoroscopy exposure only
E. Reduced pin count required

Answer: Decreased from 100 to 74 minutes

Explanation: Intraoperative imaging shortened surgical time significantly (P = .046).
In Sherman 2023 et al., on minimally invasive ESF, what was the effect of intraoperative imaging on alignment?

A. Improved alignment significantly
B. Improved only valgus angle
C. No effect on alignment
D. Improved all sagittal angles
E. Reduced valgus but not TPA

Answer: No effect on alignment

Explanation: Intraoperative imaging did not improve fracture alignment (P > .05 for all comparisons).

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