Fracture Repair surgery in dogs and cats

Fractures range from simple closed breaks that heal with cage rest to complex shattered bones requiring specialist surgical reconstruction. Board-certified orthopaedic surgeons use a range of implant systems — locking plates, interlocking nails, external fixators — chosen to match the fracture type, bone size, patient age, and owner circumstances.

What it is

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) involves surgically exposing the fracture, realigning the bone fragments, and stabilising them with implants. Locking plate-and-screw systems are the most common in small animals, offering high stability and promoting biological healing. External skeletal fixators are used where implants cannot be placed internally, or to bridge infected or contaminated fractures. Intramedullary pins and interlocking nails suit long-bone shaft fractures. Modern pre-operative CT planning and patient-specific 3D-printed guides are used at leading centres for complex reconstructions.

When it's needed

• Open (compound) fractures — always require surgical debridement and stabilisation
• Articular (joint-surface) fractures — anatomical reduction critical to avoid joint disease
• Comminuted fractures (multiple fragments) — external coaptation cannot maintain alignment
• Fractures in large or active dogs where conservative management would fail
• Growth plate fractures in young patients — specific implant strategies to protect growth
• Pathological fractures secondary to bone tumour — stabilisation may improve quality of life

Procedure summary

After pre-operative CT or radiographic planning, surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Fluoroscopy is used intraoperatively to confirm implant position. Most procedures take 1.5–3 hours. Hospitalisation is typically 1–3 days. Post-operative radiographs confirm alignment before discharge.

Recovery

Strict rest for 6–10 weeks depending on fracture type and patient. Radiographic bone healing is confirmed at 6–8 week recheck. Physiotherapy reduces muscle loss and improves outcome. Most animals return to full function once healing is confirmed, though high-energy fractures may have some residual joint disease.

Common questions