The use of an external skeletal traction device for distal fractures in the dog : a clinical case series of 11 patients

Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in 11 patients were treated 'closed' with a specially designed External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) frame with a walking bar and traction applied to the digits. Mediolateral angulation had improved postoperatively in 10 of the I I patients. Craniocaudal angulation had improved in eight patients and could not be evaluated in three due to ESF frame superimposition. At follow-up, eight patients had a good clinical function, whereas three patients were still slightly lame. Only minor ESF-related complications were seen (pin loosening, pin tract infection, cerclage wire breakage and bending of the frame), which resolved without intervention after frame removal