Slocum Enterprises, Inc.

 

 

 

Open Reduction with Internal Fixation plus 
External Fixation with Slocum Joint Hinge

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Case Information:

Six month old female Siberian Husky, 44 lbs.  Presented for broken left rear leg.

Lateral Left Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (114845 bytes) PA Left Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (138187 bytes)

Evaluation:

Dog was non-weight bearing on the left hindlimb at presentation.  She was not asked to jump, climb, or trot.  Radiographs of the left hock revealed a left distal tibial physeal fracture opening medially, and a distal fibular fracture.

Diagnosis:  

Left distal tibial physeal fracture, and left distal fibular fracture.

Treatment: 

Open reduction of the left distal tibial physeal fracture and placement of two fixation pins in the medial tibial malleolus.

A Slocum joint hinge was placed over the medial aspect of the left hock to maintain range of motion and protect fixation.

Pathologic notes:

The fibula was cracked proximal to the distal tibial physis.

Lateral Joint Hinge Repair of Left Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture, Day of Surgery ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (116168 bytes) PA Joint Hinge for Repair of Left Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture, Day of Surgery ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (202800 bytes)

Two week follow-up examination:
Owner reported that the dog had been very active and had jumped a six foot fence.  On presentation the dog had near normal function but weight bearing was still incomplete.  Physical examination revealed that the left hock was still in the proper location.  The most proximal pin of the external fixator had reaction around it, most likely due to the dog's high activity level and movement of the skin.  All other pins were calm.  Prescribed tranquilizers and continued antibiotics.

Six week follow-up examination:
On presentation the dog was non-weight bearing on the left hindlimb.  There was discharge from the proximal and third pins of the external fixator.  Radiographs of the left hock showed osteitis at pin one and pin four and a healed left distal tibial physeal fracture.  Removed fixator.

Lateral Six Weeks Post Op Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture, Joint Hinge removed ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (105464 bytes) PA Six weeks Post Op Left Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture, Joint Hinge Removed ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (128953 bytes)

Three month follow-up examination:
No lameness noted on presentation.  Owners reported that dog was doing very well.  Physical examination showed no abnormalities.  Radiographs of the left hindlimb confirm a healed left distal tibial physeal fracture.  Recommend rehab regime and slow re-introduction to full activity.

Lateral Left Hock, Three Months Post Op, Left Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (103249 bytes) PA Left Hock, Three Months Post Op, Left Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture ©Slocum Enterprises, Inc. (161765 bytes)

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