Comparative study on trans-articular external skeletal fixation and locking compression plating in treatment of metaphyseal frcature of tibia in dogs

Tibial fractures account for approximately 20% of all long bone fractures in companion animals, making them the third most commonly occurring fracture. Proximal tibial fractures commonly occur in the epiphysis and metaphysis in immature dogs and also occur in mature dogs following severe trauma. Automobile accidents are the most common etiology and the animals’ reflexes are sluggish for the threats from behind might be the reason for most of hind limb fractures. This study was conducted to compare trans-articular external skeletal fixation (TA-ESF) with locking compression (LCP-T plate) in stabilizing metaphyseal fracture of tibia in twelve dogs based on clinical parameters (lameness grading, pain score, healing score), biochemical markers (serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum alkaline phosphatase) and cost configuration. The study revealed reduction in lameness on 3rd week followed by 2nd week post-surgery, and the lameness score was near normal on 6th and 9th week post-surgery in both the groups and it was same with the pain score. The mean healing score vary significantly on 3rd week followed by 2nd week in dogs treated with TA-ESF compared to LCP. There was no significant difference between TA-ESF and LCP-T plate with regard to biochemical parameters indicating that the osteoblastic activity during healing was in equal pace in both the groups. A set of TA-ESF (Rs.300) costed 6% of the cost of LCP (Rs.5000). It is inferred that the versatile TA-ESF was in par with the novel LCP T-plate in clinical outcome with few advantages like minimally invasive, relative stability, micro motion, cost effective and more convenient to use in field conditions.