RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To report the results of acetabular fracture fixation in 25 dogs in which a specialized forceps (ASIF mandibular reduction forceps, Synthes USA, Paoli, PA) was used to obtain fracture reduction and stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical study. ANIMAL POPULATION: Twenty-five client-owned dogs with traumatic acetabular fractures. METHODS: The mandibular reduction forceps (MRF) use a screw on each side of the fracture to attach the clamp directly to the bone and permit direct manipulation of the fragments. Medical records from 25 dogs with acetabular fractures were reviewed to determine the effectiveness of this technique in obtaining, and then maintaining, fracture reduction while a plate was being applied. RESULTS: Clinical results were considered successful in 24 of 25 dogs; the small size of 1 dog prevented application of the MRF. The final reduction and fixation of the fractures was evaluated as anatomic in 17 dogs, near-anatomic in 6 dogs, and nonanatomic in 1 dog. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Application of the MRF is an effective technique for aiding the reduction of acetabular fractures in dogs. It maintains reduction while simultaneously permitting unimpeded access to the dorsal acetabular rim, thus facilitating accurate contouring of a plate. Accurate reduction and rigid fixation of articular fractures is essential to prevent secondary osteoarthritis.