Physeal Acetabular Fracture in a Dog Treated with External Fixation.

An acetabular physeal fracture in a 13 wk old dog was treated with open fixation using Kirschner wire cross pins and a four-pin Type 1A external fixator, resulting in successful healing of the fracture. Three years following the surgery, marked osteoarthrosis of the affected hip was noted, although clinical function of the hip was good. The authors suggest this fixation method be considered a viable option for fixation of acetabular physeal fractures in dogs.