Long‐term outcomes of atrophic/oligotrophic non‐unions in dogs and cats treated with autologous iliac corticocancellous bone graft and circular external skeletal fixation: 19 cases (2014‐2021)

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the short‐ and long‐term outcomes and complications in dogs and cats undergoing surgical treatment for viable oligotrophic and nonviable atrophic non‐unions using circular external skeletal fixation and autologous corticocancellous bone graft.Materials and MethodsIn this case series, the medical records and radiographs of all dogs and cats with radius/ulna and tibia/fibula viable oligotrophic and nonviable atrophic non‐unions treated with corticocancellous bone graft and circular external skeletal fixation at two referral veterinary hospitals between 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The long‐term follow‐up was 1 year or greater.ResultsThirteen dogs and six cats with 19 non‐union fractures met the inclusion criteria for the study. Eighteen non‐union fractures (94.7%) healed and one did not. Five patients (26%) had minor perioperative period complications (<3 months). The patient that did not achieve bone union underwent revision surgery with internal fixation (plate and screws) and autologous cancellous bone graft. Fifteen (78.9%) cases returned to full function and three (15.8%) cases returned to acceptable function in the long‐term follow‐up period.Clinical SignificanceThe use of circular external skeletal fixation associated with autologous corticocancellous bone graft for the treatment of radius/ulna and tibia/fibula atrophic/oligotrophic non‐union fractures in dogs and cats was considered successful in the majority of patients and was free of major or catastrophic complications.