{"id":6690,"date":"2015-11-30T02:48:04","date_gmt":"2015-11-30T02:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\/?p=6690"},"modified":"2022-02-21T18:05:07","modified_gmt":"2022-02-21T18:05:07","slug":"selection-of-internal-fixation-technique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/","title":{"rendered":"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Fractures occur commonly in both dogs and cats and, therefore, are frequently seen in general practice. This series of articles has been presented in 3 parts, with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/diagnosing-fractures-and-choosing-a-fixation-technique\/\"><strong>Part 1 <\/strong><\/a>describing fracture biomechanics, classification, and diagnosis<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/selection-of-fixation-technique-and-external-coaptation\/\"><strong>Part 2<\/strong><\/a> discussing selection of fixation technique, external coaptation, identification of bone healing, and potential complications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This last article in the series addresses the options for internal fixation, including (<strong>Table 1<\/strong>):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Intramedullary (IM) pins and cerclage wire<\/li>\n<li>Interlocking nails (ILNs)<\/li>\n<li>External skeletal fixators (ESFs)<\/li>\n<li>Bone plates and screws.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table01.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6699 size-large aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table01-1024x465.jpg\" alt=\"T1511F02_Table01\" width=\"650\" height=\"295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table01-1024x465.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table01-300x136.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table01-768x349.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table01.jpg 1320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Selection of Technique<\/h2>\n<h3>Internal Fixation Versus External Coaptation<\/h3>\n<p>The advantages of addressing long bone fractures with internal fixation versus external coaptation include early return to function and maintenance of joint motion. Internal fixation is indicated for fractures that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are subjected to <em>compression<\/em>, <em>shearing<\/em>, and\/or <em>tensile<\/em> forces<\/li>\n<li>Are comminuted and\/or long oblique<\/li>\n<li>Cannot be reduced appropriately (see <strong>The 50\/50 Rule<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The 50\/50 Rule<\/h3>\n<p>The 50\/50 rule states that <em>fracture ends should have at least 50% contact to expect fracture healing,<\/em> and that <em>50% reduction (contact) is the absolute minimum for bone healing to be possible, not probable.<\/em> If the fracture cannot be reduced at least 50%, some type of internal fixation should be pursued.<\/p>\n<h3>Selection of Internal Fixation Technique<\/h3>\n<p>Choice of internal fixation method is based on fracture classification, affected bone, concurrent injuries, open versus closed and, of course, the forces being counteracted by the fixation method (<strong>Table 2<\/strong>). In addition, consider the ability, or inability, to reconstruct the cylinder of the bone, which affects the choice of fixation type and, ultimately, determines whether the bone can share in load bearing during healing or whether load bearing is done entirely by the implant until healing has occurred.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table02.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6700 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table02.jpg\" alt=\"T1511F02_Table02\" width=\"376\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table02.jpg 376w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table02-188x300.jpg 188w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Intramedullary Pin With Cerclage Wire<\/h2>\n<p>IM pin (and\/or K-wire) and cerclage wire is probably one of the more common fracture fixation methods used in general practice. While cerclage wires are typically considered a method of ancillary fixation commonly used with IM pins, they can also be used with ESFs, ILNs, and bone plates.<\/p>\n<h3>Indications<\/h3>\n<p>IM pins resist bending loads well, but are poor at resisting rotational forces. For this reason, cerclage wires should always be added to IM pin fixation to help counteract axial and rotational forces. Cerclage wires also provide interfragmentary compression without damaging the blood supply or interfering with healing (unless they become loose). IM pins and cerclage wire fixation is limited to long oblique fractures and spiral fractures of the femur, tibia (<strong>Figure 1<\/strong>), and humerus.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6693\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6693\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6693\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01-300x192.jpg\" alt=\"FIGURE 1. Example of IM pin and cerclage wire for fixation of a long oblique tibial fracture in an immature dog.\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg 938w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6693\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">FIGURE 1. Example of IM pin and cerclage wire for fixation of a long oblique tibial fracture in an immature dog.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spacer\" style=\"height:10px\"><\/div>\n<h3>Benefits Versus Risks<\/h3>\n<p>Advantages of IM pin and cerclage wire fixation include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintenance of axial alignment<\/li>\n<li>Resistance to bending loads and rotational forces<\/li>\n<li>Less cost for clients<\/li>\n<li>Ease of placement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Disadvantages include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Requirement for open fracture stabilization<\/li>\n<li>Failure of IM pins used alone without cerclage wire<\/li>\n<li>Limited control of axial loads<\/li>\n<li>Pin migration or implant failure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Technique<\/h3>\n<p>When using IM pins and cerclage wire fixation (see <strong>Orthopedic Hardware: IM Pin &amp; Cerclage Wire<\/strong>):<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Place IM pins into the medullary cavity of long bones (femur, tibia, or humerus) with either a drill or Jacobs chuck.<\/li>\n<li>Insert the pin in either a normograde or retrograde fashion to avoid joint surfaces.<\/li>\n<li>With this method of fixation, the IM pin should fill approximately 70% of the medullary cavity<sup>1<\/sup>: Measure the size of the canal on radiographs and select a pin that is 70% of the cavity or, alternatively, gauge size during surgery if the canal is exposed.<\/li>\n<li>Use a minimum of 2 cerclage wires and place them:\n<ul>\n<li>Approximately 1 cm apart<\/li>\n<li>At least 0.5 cm from the beginning and end of the fracture line<\/li>\n<li>Perpendicular to the bone shaft.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The cerclage wires must be tight to provide adequate interfragmentary compression.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Cautions<\/h3>\n<p>When attempting IM pin and cerclage wire fixation of the tibia:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid the proximal articular surface and potential damage to the insertion of the cranial cruciate ligament; cerclage wire is also difficult to use around the tibia due to its triangular shape, which prevents placing appropriately tight cerclage.<\/li>\n<li>Never place IM pins into the radius due to high likelihood of joint penetration into the carpus or articular surface of the radial head.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid stack pinning\u2014placing multiple small pins to replace one large pin\u2014and threaded pins\u2014those with a threaded endface; stack pinning does not provide any additional rotational support and threaded pins tend to fail at the thread pin interface.<sup>1<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2>Orthopedic Hardware: IM Pin &amp; Cerclage Wire<\/h2>\n<p>IM pins and Kirschner wires (K-wires) are made from 316L stainless steel. The difference between pins and k-wires is mainly diameter: IM pins\u2014also referred to as Steinmann pins\u2014are between 1.5 mm (1\/16 inch) and 6.5 mm (1\/4 inch) in diameter, while K-wires are 0.9 to 1.5 mm (0.035, 0.045, 0.062 inches) in diameter.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>The most common pointed ends for IM pins are 3-sided trocar tips or 2-sided chisel tips: trocar tips are better suited for penetration of cortical bone, while chisel tips can be braced against the endosteal surface of the bone\u2019s cortex or lodged in cancellous bone.<sup>2<\/sup> Some IM pins may be partially threaded; however, when placed in the medullary cavity, partially threaded IM pins do not have any better holding power than standard smooth threaded pins (see <strong>Cautions<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<p>Cerclage wire comes in various sizes, ranging from 0.635 mm (22 gauge) to 1.02 mm (18 gauge). The correct size must be used based on patient size:<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cats and very small dogs: 20 to 22 gauge<\/li>\n<li>Small, medium, and large breed dogs: 18 to 22 gauge<\/li>\n<li>Giant breed dogs: 16 gauge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Interlocking Nail<\/h2>\n<p>An ILN is similar to an IM pin, but is secured to the bone by bolts or screws that are placed proximal and distal to the fracture, passing through pre-existing holes in the nail. ILNs are similar to IM pins with regard to placement; however, they are superior for <em>preventing<\/em> rotational and shearing forces (due to the bolts\/screws) and <em>countering<\/em> bending and compressive forces.<\/p>\n<h3>Indications<\/h3>\n<p>ILNs are useful for fractures in which the bone cannot be reconstructed, such as highly comminuted fractures. This fixation method typically results in very rigid repairs that can counteract all forces and are entirely load bearing until bone healing has progressed to callus formation. ILNs are also helpful when limited bone length is available proximally or distally, as their corresponding bolts do not require much available bone length for placement.<\/p>\n<h3>Benefits Versus Risks<\/h3>\n<p>Benefits of ILNs include placement with a minimally invasive technique, allowing the fracture hematoma to remain untouched. This principle of minimal disruption at the fracture site allows for healing to progress undisturbed, optimizing the biological environment for healing.<\/p>\n<p>However, some of the same limitations seen with IM pin placement must be considered when placing ILNs: the articular surface must be carefully avoided during placement; thus, placement in the radius is not advisable and, while placement in the tibia is possible, it is slightly more challenging.<\/p>\n<h3>Technique<\/h3>\n<p>ILNs are locked in place with bolts or screws that penetrate the cortex and thread through pre-existing holes at the proximal and distal aspects of the nail. Depending on nail type and number of holes distally and proximally, the number of screws or bolts placed varies. During surgical placement, a jig must be used to ensure that the bolts appropriately line up with the holes in the nail.<\/p>\n<p>A newer, angle-stable ILN (I-Loc, biometrix.com) was developed to overcome the concerns of instability in bending and torsion that is seen with traditional ILNs. It has a novel hourglass shape that provides increased strength due to a larger diameter at each end; furthermore, the hourglass shape allows for increased vascularity of the diaphyseal medullary canal. In multiple studies, this newer, angle-stable ILN was shown to be stronger and result in faster healing compared with traditional ILNs (<strong>Figure 2<\/strong>).<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6694\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig02.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6694\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6694\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig02-300x209.jpg\" alt=\"Figure 2. Lateral (A) and craniocaudal (B) radiographs of mid-diaphyseal comminuted tibial fracture stabilized with the I-Loc ILN; on the craniocaudal (B) radiograph, note the hourglass design of the nail, with 2 bolts placed proximal and 2 bolts placed distal to the fracture. Courtesy Dr. Cory Fisher\" width=\"300\" height=\"209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig02-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig02-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig02.jpg 863w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6694\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 2. Lateral (A) and craniocaudal (B) radiographs of mid-diaphyseal comminuted tibial fracture stabilized with the I-Loc ILN; on the craniocaudal (B) radiograph, note the hourglass design of the nail, with 2 bolts placed proximal and 2 bolts placed distal to the fracture. <em>Courtesy Dr. Cory Fisher<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Cautions<\/h3>\n<p>Bolts are superior to screws, which are more likely to break due to a stress riser\u2014a location in an object where stress is concentrated\u2014between the head and neck of the screw. Earlier generation ILNs have also been shown to have a higher rate of breakage or bending compared to newer, angle-stable ILNs.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2>\u00a0Orthopedic Hardware: Linear ESF<\/h2>\n<p>Linear ESF configurations can be classified based on pin and rod placement, including the number of planes the pins pass through in space, and how many skin surfaces are penetrated (<strong>Table 3<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pins should be <strong>positive profile pins<\/strong>\u2014those with threads rolled onto the core diameter of the pin, creating an inner diameter of the threaded region equal to the shaft diameter and eliminating a stress riser effect.<\/li>\n<li><em>Avoid<\/em> <strong>negative profile pins<\/strong>\u2014in which the thread is machine cut into the pin shaft creating an inner diameter of the threaded region smaller than the shaft diameter\u2014due to their considerable weakness at the pin thread interface.<\/li>\n<li><em>Avoid<\/em> <strong>smooth pins<\/strong>\u2014those with no threads\u2014which have considerably less holding power. If smooth pins must be used, they should be angled at least 70\u00b0 to the bone to improve holding power.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table03.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6701 size-large aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table03-1024x499.jpg\" alt=\"T1511F02_Table03\" width=\"650\" height=\"317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table03-1024x499.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table03-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table03-768x374.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Table03.jpg 1232w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>External Skeletal Fixation<\/h2>\n<p>External skeletal fixation involves transcutaneous placement of threaded pins or wires into fracture fragments; these pins or wires are then stabilized externally with clamps and rods or epoxy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Linear external fixators<\/strong> are created by using transfixation pins or K-wires that are attached to a linear connecting bar using a clamp (<strong>Figure 3<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Circular external fixators <\/strong>or ring external fixators allow the wires to engage the bone, with full or partial ring structure support, which consequently allows engagement of the bone circumferentially. This type of ESF can be very useful when available bone fragment size is small or short in length.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hybrid fixators <\/strong>can be created by combining ring and linear fixator components and are used to address, for example, distal tibial fractures or angular limb deformity of the distal tibia (<strong>Figure 4<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<div id=\"attachment_6695\" style=\"width: 305px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig03.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6695\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6695\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig03-295x300.jpg\" alt=\"FIGURE 3. ESF classification: Differences between Types Ia and Ib (A) and Types IIa and IIb (B), and depiction of Type III (C).\" width=\"295\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig03-295x300.jpg 295w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig03-1008x1024.jpg 1008w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig03-768x780.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig03.jpg 1211w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 295px) 100vw, 295px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6695\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">FIGURE 3. ESF classification: Differences between Types Ia and Ib (A) and Types IIa and IIb (B), and depiction of Type III (C).<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_6696\" style=\"width: 159px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig04.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6696\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6696\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig04-149x300.jpg\" alt=\"FIGURE 4. Example of a hybrid external fixator to correct a distal angular limb deformity; note the proximal pins and their attachment to a connecting bar via clamps. The connecting bar is tied into a circular ring with wires distally.\" width=\"149\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig04-149x300.jpg 149w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig04.jpg 298w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 149px) 100vw, 149px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6696\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">FIGURE 4. Example of a hybrid external fixator to correct a distal angular limb deformity; note the proximal pins and their attachment to a connecting bar via clamps. The connecting bar is tied into a circular ring with wires distally.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Indications<\/h3>\n<p>External skeletal fixation is diverse in its use and can be applied in a variety of fracture scenarios. It is an especially useful technique in patients with open contaminated fractures in which the open wound over the fracture requires local wound therapy and bandage changes. Another reason external skeletal fixation is often chosen to treat open fractures (and eventually removed altogether once the fracture has healed) is due to concern that placing implants, such as plates or IM pins, in a contaminated fracture may lead to infection of the implant and osteomyelitis, with eventual need for explantation.<\/p>\n<h3>Benefits Versus Risks<\/h3>\n<p>A benefit of ESFs is the ability to segmentally destabilize them over time as the fracture begins to heal, allowing more load bearing by the bone itself in a slow, controlled manner. Once the fracture has been assessed by radiographs and determined completely healed, the construct is removed entirely. However, caring for ESFs can be challenging for owners because the constructs are often bulky and may damage furniture or get caught on household items.<\/p>\n<h3>Technique<\/h3>\n<p>Regardless of construct, an ESF requires placement of at least 2 pins proximally and 2 pins distally. However, it is ideal to place at least 3 pins proximally and 3 pins distally, engaging a total of 6 cortices on either side of the fracture.<sup>3<\/sup> See <strong>Orthopedic Hardware: Linear ESF<\/strong> for further details on using linear ESFs.<\/p>\n<h3>Follow-Up<\/h3>\n<p>Since constructs can damage, or get caught on, household items, the ESF frame should be bandaged, which requires rechecks every 7 to 10 days to evaluate the frame and change the bandage. In addition, while the implants are in place, during each recheck the skin\u2013pin interface should be monitored and cleaned regularly to prevent superficial infections or draining tracts.<\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h3>Plates: Buttressing Versus Bridging<\/h3>\n<p>A bone plate used in a <strong>buttressing fashion<\/strong> is designed for metaphyseal fractures to prevent collapse of the area adjacent to an articular surface due to compressive forces.<\/p>\n<p>A plate used in a <strong>bridging fashion<\/strong> (in old terminology used interchangeably with buttressing) is designed to act as an internal splint to maintain the correct length and normal axial alignment when fracture ends cannot be anatomically reconstructed. More simply, this placement bridges the fracture site to hold the bones in reduction and alignment, allowing the bone to heal.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-spacer\" style=\"height:10px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Bone Plates and Screws<\/h2>\n<p>Bone plating is ideal for preventing many of the potential forces that will be imposed on the fracture, including compression, shearing, rotation, and bending. The plate\u2013bone construct is weakest in regard to bending forces; therefore, the plate is always placed on the tension side of the bone. An IM pin can be combined with a plate to enhance bending strength (<strong>Figure 5<\/strong>).<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6697\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig05.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6697\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6697\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig05-300x115.jpg\" alt=\"FIGURE 5. Lateral (A) and craniocaudal (B) radiographs of right mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture stabilized with a locking plate and IM pin (plate\/rod combination).\" width=\"300\" height=\"115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig05-300x115.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig05-1024x392.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig05-768x294.jpg 768w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig05-1536x588.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig05.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6697\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">FIGURE 5. Lateral (A) and craniocaudal (B) radiographs of right mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture stabilized with a locking plate and IM pin (plate\/rod combination).<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Indications<\/h3>\n<p>Bone plates can be used for almost any fracture type if there is enough bone length proximal and distal to the fracture to allow for placement of 3 screws in each fragment, engaging a minimum of 6 cortices. This general rule can be used to determine the length and type of plate that should be applied in any given situation.<\/p>\n<h3>Technique<\/h3>\n<p>Bone plates (see <strong>Orthopedic Hardware: Bone Plates &amp; Screws<\/strong>) can be placed in bridging, buttressing, or compressing fashion, depending on the fracture type.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bridging and buttressing fashion: Used for fractures that cannot be readily reconstructed or for long bone fractures in which the length of bone must be restored and maintained in the face of comminution and bone loss.<\/li>\n<li>Compressing fashion: Used when the bony column can be reconstructed and the ends of the fracture fragment can be compressed together, which allows the bone to share in load bearing during the healing process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Screws are placed in either neutral or compressing fashion dependent on planned use of the plate. Additionally, independent of use in the plate, screws can be placed in lag fashion to apply compression across a fracture line\u2014a method commonly used with humeral or femoral condylar fractures (<strong>Figure 6<\/strong>):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The near (cis) cortex is drilled to the same diameter of the screw threads (glide hole), while the far (trans) cortex is drilled slightly smaller than the core diameter of the screw.<\/li>\n<li>As the screw is tightened, it effectively draws the far fragment toward the near fragment, applying compression across the fracture gap.<\/li>\n<li>For example, to place a 3.5-mm lag screw, the cis cortex is drilled with a 3.5-mm drill bit, while the trans cortex is drilled with a 2.5-mm drill bit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_6698\" style=\"width: 247px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig06.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6698\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6698\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig06-237x300.jpg\" alt=\"FIGURE 6. Craniocaudal radiograph illustrating use of a lag screw for a condylar fracture in the femoral condyle of a cat; note there is also cross pin fixation to address additional comminuted aspects of the fracture.\" width=\"237\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig06-237x300.jpg 237w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig06.jpg 474w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 237px) 100vw, 237px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6698\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">FIGURE 6. Craniocaudal radiograph illustrating use of a lag screw for a condylar fracture in the femoral condyle of a cat; note there is also cross pin fixation to address additional comminuted aspects of the fracture.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<div class=\"su-spacer\" style=\"height:20px\"><\/div>\n<h2>Screws: Neutral Versus Compressing<\/h2>\n<p>A screw used in a <strong>neutral fashion <\/strong>(also known as a <em>plate screw<\/em>) is placed in the center of the screw hole only to hold the plate in place.<\/p>\n<p>A screw used in a <strong>compression fashion <\/strong>allows movement of the bone fragment relative to the plate as it is tightened, leading to compression of the fracture. Screw holes in compression plates have an oval shape (rather than the round shape seen in noncompression plates) that allows the screw to be placed at one end of the oval.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-spacer\" style=\"height:10px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Summary<\/h2>\n<p>Read the complete <strong>A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management<\/strong> series:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Part 1: Diagnosing Fractures &amp; Choosing a Fixation Technique (July\/August 2015)<\/li>\n<li>Part 2: Selection of Fixation Technique &amp; External Coaptation (September\/October 2015).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2>Orthopedic Hardware: Bone Plates and Screws<\/h2>\n<p>Screws used to secure bone plates may be traditional or self-tapping, and are typically:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Cortical screws<\/em> for diaphyseal bone: Designed to engage cortical bone, with smaller pitch and less depth of the thread<\/li>\n<li><em>Cancellous screws<\/em> for metaphyseal bone: Designed to engage metaphyseal or epiphyseal bone, with larger outer diameter, deeper thread, and larger pitch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Several plate types exist, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Traditional plates<\/em>, such as the dynamic compression plate and limited contact dynamic compression plate<\/li>\n<li><em>Locking plates<\/em>, such as PAX plates (securos .com), ALPS plates (Kyon.ch), Synthes LCP (us.synthesvet.com), and string of pearls plates (orthomedinc.com) as well as others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With <em>traditional plates<\/em>, screws hold the plate in close contact with the bone, creating friction between the bone plate and bone and securing the construct. The axial load through the bone actually creates a shearing force at the screw\u2013bone interface. Therefore, to minimize screw and plate failure, it is important that the plate be well contoured and fitted to the bone, with no soft tissue between the plate and bone.<\/p>\n<p>With <em>locking plates<\/em>, the screw heads thread into the plates, creating a locked fixed-angle system that behaves more like an ESF and does not require friction between the bone and plate. In addition, the axial force through the bone creates a compressive force at the screw\u2013bone interface.<\/p>\n<p>In theory, locking plates create a stronger and stiffer construct compared with traditional plates<sup>1<\/sup> and potentially reduce the number of cortices needed for engagement to create an acceptable stable construct, eliminating the need to engage the trans cortex. However, if possible, bicortical screws should always be placed to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increase strength of the construct<\/li>\n<li>Decrease likelihood for screw back out<\/li>\n<li>Resolve need for perfect plate contouring and removal of soft tissue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other specialized plates exist for use in specific anatomic regions, such as T-shaped plates for the proximal tibia or distal radius, L-shaped plates for the distal femur, and curved plates designed specifically for acetabular fractures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A discussion of the options for internal fixation of fractures in cats and dogs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":6693,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"iawp_total_views":4699,"footnotes":""},"categories":[361],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-6690","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-november-december-2015","tag-peer-reviewed","column-features","clinical_topics-orthopedics"],"acf":{"hide_sidebar":false,"hide_sidebar_ad":false,"hide_all_ads":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique | Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Part 3 of a 3-part series on veterinary fracture management. This article discusses several different internal fixation methods.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Part 3 of a 3-part series on veterinary fracture management. This article discusses several different internal fixation methods.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2015-11-30T02:48:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-02-21T18:05:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"938\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ed Branam, DVM\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ed Branam, DVM\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ed Branam, DVM\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/3dc590de4a6dd3fb22a90ecafc668b39\"},\"headline\":\"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique\",\"datePublished\":\"2015-11-30T02:48:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-02-21T18:05:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3005,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2015\\\/11\\\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Peer Reviewed\"],\"articleSection\":[\"November\\\/December 2015\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"MedicalWebPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/\",\"name\":\"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique | Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2015\\\/11\\\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2015-11-30T02:48:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-02-21T18:05:07+00:00\",\"description\":\"Part 3 of a 3-part series on veterinary fracture management. This article discusses several different internal fixation methods.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2015\\\/11\\\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2015\\\/11\\\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg\",\"width\":938,\"height\":600,\"caption\":\"FIGURE 1. Example of IM pin and cerclage wire for fixation of a long oblique tibial fracture in an immature dog.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/orthopedics\\\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Today's Veterinary Practice\",\"description\":\"Peer-Reviewed Veterinary Journal\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Today's Veterinary Practice\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2022\\\/01\\\/tvp-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2022\\\/01\\\/tvp-logo.png\",\"width\":179,\"height\":89,\"caption\":\"Today's Veterinary Practice\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/todaysveterinarypractice\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/thenavc\"],\"email\":\"info@navc.com\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/3dc590de4a6dd3fb22a90ecafc668b39\",\"name\":\"Ed Branam, DVM\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/211c32d8b248199e28374f2da74197c24b5d7d987bb3f07b4ff58066eea2c30c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/211c32d8b248199e28374f2da74197c24b5d7d987bb3f07b4ff58066eea2c30c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/211c32d8b248199e28374f2da74197c24b5d7d987bb3f07b4ff58066eea2c30c?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Ed Branam, DVM\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/tvb.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/navc.sitepreview.app\\\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\\\/author\\\/ebranam\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique | Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice","description":"Part 3 of a 3-part series on veterinary fracture management. This article discusses several different internal fixation methods.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique","og_description":"Part 3 of a 3-part series on veterinary fracture management. This article discusses several different internal fixation methods.","og_url":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/","og_site_name":"Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/todaysveterinarypractice","article_published_time":"2015-11-30T02:48:04+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-02-21T18:05:07+00:00","og_image":[{"width":938,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Ed Branam, DVM","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ed Branam, DVM","Est. reading time":"15 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/"},"author":{"name":"Ed Branam, DVM","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#\/schema\/person\/3dc590de4a6dd3fb22a90ecafc668b39"},"headline":"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique","datePublished":"2015-11-30T02:48:04+00:00","dateModified":"2022-02-21T18:05:07+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/"},"wordCount":3005,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg","keywords":["Peer Reviewed"],"articleSection":["November\/December 2015"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","MedicalWebPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/","url":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/","name":"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique | Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg","datePublished":"2015-11-30T02:48:04+00:00","dateModified":"2022-02-21T18:05:07+00:00","description":"Part 3 of a 3-part series on veterinary fracture management. This article discusses several different internal fixation methods.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/11\/T1511F02_Fig01.jpg","width":938,"height":600,"caption":"FIGURE 1. Example of IM pin and cerclage wire for fixation of a long oblique tibial fracture in an immature dog."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/selection-of-internal-fixation-technique\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"A Practitioner\u2019s Guide to Fracture Management, Part 3: Selection of Internal Fixation Technique"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/","name":"Today's Veterinary Practice","description":"Peer-Reviewed Veterinary Journal","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#organization","name":"Today's Veterinary Practice","url":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/01\/tvp-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2022\/01\/tvp-logo.png","width":179,"height":89,"caption":"Today's Veterinary Practice"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/todaysveterinarypractice","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/thenavc"],"email":"info@navc.com"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/#\/schema\/person\/3dc590de4a6dd3fb22a90ecafc668b39","name":"Ed Branam, DVM","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/211c32d8b248199e28374f2da74197c24b5d7d987bb3f07b4ff58066eea2c30c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/211c32d8b248199e28374f2da74197c24b5d7d987bb3f07b4ff58066eea2c30c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/211c32d8b248199e28374f2da74197c24b5d7d987bb3f07b4ff58066eea2c30c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ed Branam, DVM"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/tvb.com"],"url":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/author\/ebranam\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6690","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6690"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6690\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29082,"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6690\/revisions\/29082"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6693"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6690"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6690"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6690"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}