Treatment of Orthopaedic Problems with Manuflex (R) Disposable External Fixator in 15 Dogs and 7 Cats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to use Manuflex (R) disposible external fixator (MDEF), designed by two Hungarian orthopaedists, one of which is MD and the other is DVM, for treatment of orthopaedic problems, and to present the outcomes in dogs and cats. Cases included fractures of humerus (n=1), tibia (n=4) and radius-ulna (n=4), an angular deformity (with radius-ulna fracture), tibio-tarsal luxations (n=3), a tarso-metatarsal fracture (n=1), mandibular fractures (n=2) in dogs; and fractures of tibia (n=2), radius (n=1) and humerus (n=2), a radio-carpal luxation (n=1), bilateral tibio-tarsal luxation and malleolar tibial fracture (n=1) in cats. Three types of fixators (large, medium and small) has been used according to animal sizes and bone fracture types. All cases had tolerated their apparatus well and did not have any postoperative reactions and they started using the limbs immediately after surgery. Pin tract infections were seen in 2 dogs. Functional outcomes were very good in 10 cases, good in 4 cases and satisfactory in 1 case, in dogs; and very good in 6 cases and satisfactory in 1 case in cats. It was concluded that MDEF can be an alternative system compared to other external fixators, because of its easier application, forming rigid fixation and stability, applying without any complicated equipments and being more economic.