| CASE 22
SIGNALMENT:
12-week-old female Blue Heeler/Sheltie mix
HISTORY:
Two days prior to referral the puppy fell out of the back of a pickup
truck, becoming acutely lame in the right rear limb.
DIAGNOSIS:
Radiographs were taken by the referring veterinarian (Figure 1)
revealing a fracture along the distal femoral physis. The fracture is classified
as a Salter type II.
|
Figure 1
Lateral view of the Salter II fracture of the distal femur. Note
the typical displacement of the condyles caudal to the diaphyseal segment
of the femur.
|
Figure 2
Postoperative VD (Figure 2) and lateral (Figure 3) views of the repair.
The metaphyseal section of bone can be visualized on the VD view, distinguishing
this from the Salter I type physeal injury which goes only across the growth
plate. |
TREATMENT:
Surgical repair was done two days after the injury using small K-wires
(0.0625") placed in a modified Rush pin fashion. Due to the very soft nature
of the bone, the lateral pin is seated within the inner cortical wall of
the medial femur, while the medial K-wire is driven as a cross-pin.
This technique should allow for continued growth on the bone while providing
secure fixation without interfering with the function of the knee joint.
See Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 3 |
