Results of screw/wire/polymethylmethacrylate composite fixation for acetabular fracture repair in 14 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical results in dogs with acetabular fractures stabilized using a screw-wire-polymethylmethacrylate (SWP) composite fixation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of client-owned dogs with acetabular fractures. ANIMALS: Fourteen dogs ranging in age from 4 to 95 months (mean, 34 +/- 25 months; median, 25 months) and body weight from 8 to 39 kg (mean, 25 +/- 6 kg; median, 27 kg). METHODS: Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively evaluated to determine location of the fracture, presence of preexisting degenerative joint disease, accuracy of fracture reduction and complications associated with surgery. Long-term results were evaluated by subjective assessment of lameness, elicitation of pain and/or crepitus on manipulation of the coxofemoral joint, measurements of pelvic limb circumference, coxofemoral joint goniometric measurements, and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Fracture reduction was considered anatomic in 13 dogs. At the time of the last follow-up evaluation (mean, 347 +/- 261 days; median, 380 days) 10 dogs were sound on the affected limb, three dogs had a subtle weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb, and the remaining dog had a consistent non-weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb. Mild (n = 10) or moderate (n = 1) degenerative changes of the affected coxofemoral joint attributed to the acetabular fracture and its repair were noted on the follow-up radiographs in 11 dogs. Limb circumference of the affected limb ranged from -8.2% to +10.8% (mean, -0.8 +/- 4.2%; median, -0.7%) of the contralateral limb. CONCLUSIONS: The SWP composite fixation consistently maintained anatomic reduction, was associated with few complications, and yielded satisfactory clinical results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The SWP composite fixation technique would seem to be an acceptable means of stabilizing acetabular fractures in dogs.