Reduction of bowed tibia fracture by fixation with Krischner and cerclage wires in a dog: A case report

Abstract

A four months old, 3.6 kg intact female Miniature Dachshund dog was referred for non-weight bearing lameness at right hind limb due to car accident. On physical examination, the patient was non-weight bearing on the right hind leg and had moderate swelling in the proximal to middle tibia region. There was palpable crepitus. Radiographs revealed a slightly displaced, spiral, oblique fracture involving the proximal diaphyseal region of the right tibia. Fibular fracture was also noted. Internal fixation was performed to repair the fracture. Due to bowed shape of fractured tibia, it was not possible to apply K-wire, containing appropriate diameter (60-80% of bone marrow diameter) for intramedullary fixation. We fixed the bowed tibia fracture using a smaller diameter (30% of bone marrow diameter) K-wire with cross pins and cerclage wires. Four weeks after the operation, radiographs demonstrated healing of the tibia fracture as well as the fibular fracture.