Fracture Management

Fracture management involves the surgical repair of broken bones in dogs and cats. At AVS, we treat a wide range of fractures — from simple breaks to complex, multi-fragment injuries — using the most appropriate technique for each case. Complex fractures are planned in advance using CT imaging for more accurate surgery and better outcomes; examples would be fractures of the skull, spine, pelvis, elbow, carpus or tarsus.

Our surgical approaches include:

• Bone plating — metal plates and screws are applied to the bone surface to hold fragments in precise alignment while they heal. This is the most common method for limb fractures.
• External skeletal fixation — pins are placed through the skin into the bone and connected by an external frame, particularly useful for open fractures or cases where soft tissue damage is significant.
• Minimally invasive osteosynthesis (MIPO) — plates applied through small incisions, preserving the blood supply to the fracture site and promoting faster healing.

Surgical fracture repair is recommended when a bone is broken and will not heal satisfactorily with rest alone, or where the fracture involves a joint surface. Common scenarios include:

• Fractures caused by road traffic accidents or falls
• Long bone fractures of the femur, tibia, humerus or radius/ulna
• Joint fractures (articular fractures) where precise alignment is critical
• Pelvic fractures that affect weight-bearing or narrow the pelvic canal
• Fractures in young animals involving growth plates
• Non-union or delayed-union fractures that have failed to heal

Following a thorough assessment including X-rays or CT imaging, we will explain the nature of the fracture and recommend the most appropriate repair method. We also manage elbow fractures including lateral condylar fractures and complex bicondylar (Y-T) fractures, which require precise reconstruction to restore joint function.

The outcome of fracture repair depends on factors including the type and location of the fracture, the patient's age and overall health, and any associated soft tissue injuries. In general:

• The majority of straightforward fractures heal well with a return to normal function
• Young animals tend to heal faster than older patients
• Joint fractures require precise reconstruction but can achieve good long-term outcomes with appropriate surgery
• Complex or comminuted fractures may require a longer recovery but still typically achieve a functional result

Once we have seen X-rays of the fracture, we can provide an all-inclusive price for fracture repairs, covering the surgical procedure, anaesthesia, hospitalisation, medications and follow-up appointments within the recovery period