Fractures of the tibial diaphysis in dogs and cats.

One hundred ninety-five fractures of the canine and feline tibial diaphysis were reviewed. Signalment of the animal; cause, location, and description of the fracture; treatment of the fracture, and response of the fracture to treatment were evaluated. Spiral and oblique fracture patterns were the most frequent in both juvenile (animals less than 12 months old) and adult animals (animals more than 12 months old). Comminuted fractures and open fractures were seen more commonly in the adult animal. Closed reduction and external coaptation as a method of repair was used more frequently in juveniles and open reduction and internal fixation was used more frequently in adults. When open reduction and internal fixation was used, pins, wires, and Kirschner Ehmer external splints were used more frequently in juveniles, and plate and screw fixation of the fracture was used more frequently in adults. The time to bone union varied with age of the animal and method of fixation. Healing times increased in adults, and increased as the stability of the fracture fixation increased. Complications included osteomyelitis and nonunions. Nonunions developed in 4.1% of the fractures not lost to follow-up.