Locking compression plate for multiple fracture of femur in a dog

A 7-year-old male cross Labrador dog was referred for the treatment of a 10 day old complete multiple fracture of middle third of left femur. The dog had heavy oedematous swelling on affected limb with dullness, anorexia and loss of weight bearing. Radiography revealed complete multiple fracture of mid shaft of femur with 5 splinters in surrounding tissue and a gap of 2 inches between the fractured ends. Signs of non-union and faulty callus formation were evident. The fracture was immobilized with “Locking Compression Plate”, a new internal extra medullary fixation device. The surgery was performed under xylazineketamine anaesthesia. Fractured femur was exteriorized in routine manner. The splinters were freed off and taken out and preserved in saline-antibiotic solution. Both fragments were freshened and aligned. A 5′ long LCP was placed on lateral aspect of femur. Two locking screws were placed on the proximal fragment of bone. All 4–5 splinters were set and packed to the best possible way to bridge the gap and then two screws were placed on distal fragments on the plate. Ehmer sling was applied on the affected limb. Animal showed mild weight bearing on 11^th day. Radiography revealed dislodgement of few splinters with excellent callus formation. After 6 weeks weight bearing increased in 8–10 weeks with slight deviation of the digits and claw.