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We were first time clients of the Michigan Avenue Animal Hospital when we brought in a stray kitten we found outside our apartment. She was extremely timid and had what we thought to be an infected abscess on her cheek, but Dr.Dhaliwal and staff were very gentle and loving with her and took great care in treating what turned out to be a larvae that burrowed into her skin.
She is in much better spirits since her visit and is quickly becoming a very affectionate and grateful kitty. I would like to personally recommend this facility to anyone looking for genuine, quality medical/emotional attention for their pets.
Aug 03, 2011
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Tibial fractures in the dog and cat: Options for management
The location and anatomy of the tibia provides several advantages to the surgeon:
Fractures of the tibia also create several potential difficulties for the surgeon:
All of the fracture repair modalities (bone plates, external skeletal fixators, intra-medullary pins, external coaptation) may be used on the tibia. It is essential to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each fracture repair method when making an assessment of any fracture and planning which method of repair to use.
Figure 2: Cranial aspect of the left tibia A; tibial crest, B; Gurdey’s tubercle, F; medial tibial condyle, G; lateral tibial condyle, H; medial malleolus.
Figure 3: Lateral aspect of the left tibia. A; tibial crest, B; Gurdey’s tubercle, C; muscular groove (of the long digital extensor tendon), G; Lateral tibial condyle
Intramedullary pins Intramedullary (IM) pins are only suitable for relatively simple tibial fractures. Normograde pin placement is the only suitable method in the tibia. Tibial fractures should never have an IM pin placed by a retrograde method because the pin will pass into the articular part of the stifle joint. In these instances the pin commonly damages the cruciate ligaments, menisci and articular cartilage resulting in pain, lameness and, ultimately, degenerative joint disease. For normograde IM pin placement, make a 1-2cm skin incision over the medial tibial condyle at the junction of the cranial and middle thirds (Figures 5a and 5b). The pin should be driven distally entering the medial ridge of the tibial plateau at that location. The fracture is held in reduction while the pin is driven into the distal fragment. Judge the correct depth of insertion by measuring with a second pin ofidentical length. It is essential to remember that the medial malleolus extends distally past the location of the talocrural joint. As the IM pin is being driven distally, it is important to remember this, it will help to prevent the pin from penetrating the talocrural joint. The base of the medial malleolus, rather than the tip, is the distal extent of maximum pin insertion. Flex and extend the hock joint to ensure that the pin has not been driven too far distally and penetrated the joint. Tibial pins should not be too large (they are usually 50 to 60% of the medullary diameter at its narrowest point); they need to curve slightly as they pass down the shaft of the tibia. Once seated, the pin must be cut short enough so that it will not touch the femoral condyles at full extension of the stifle joint. The reduced pin size means a consequent reduction in stability. Therefore, IM pins should only be used for tibial fractures where significant compressive and rotational forces are not present. Figure 5a: Site for intra-medullary pin insertion. Medial view of the proximal right tibia. A; tibial crest, F; medial tibial condyle
Figure 5b: Site for intramedullary pin insertion. Dorsal view of the tibial plateau of the right tibia. A; tibialcrest, B; Gurdey’s tubercle, C; musculargroove (of the long digital extensor tendon), D; Fibular head, E; intercondylar eminences, F; medial tibial condyle, G;lateral tibial condyle External Coaptation The use of external coaptation is only suitable in relatively simple tibial fractures. Full casts are reasonably good at preventing bending and rotational forces of low magnitude, which occur in simple transverse fractures in small or medium sized animals. External coaptation is unsuitable for use in fractures where bending and rotational forces of high magnitude (such as in large breed or very active dogs) are expected. External coaptation is also unsuitable in comminuted fractures or in long oblique fractures as it cannot prevent collapse and overriding of the fracture fragments.
Bone Plates Bone plates are very useful for the repair of tibial fractures.They can be used for grade 1 open fractures although for more severe open fractures such as grade 2 or 3 fractures, external fixators are preferable. Bone plates are applied to the medial aspect of the tibia. The use of the plate-rod technique is possible for the tibia although this procedure is technically more difficult than when applied to the femur (the narrowest part of the tibia is in the distal half and the limited widening in the distal tibial metaphysis makes distal screw placement more difficult).
Make a skin incision on the cranial aspect of the crus for the medial approach to the tibia. This approach will simplify closure and prevent the skin being closed directly over the plate. Wound breakdown over the distal tibia is a problem if this is not done. Intra-operative contouring of the bone plate, prior to application to the bone, is necessary due to the sigmoid shape of the tibia in a medi-olateral and craniocaudal plane. The use of aluminium bending templates greatly simplifies contouring and they are a useful (and inexpensive) investment;
External Fixator
External fixators (ESF) are the gold standard in the repair and management of open tibial fractures. The tibia is the easiest bone to which to apply an ESF. It is recommended that surgeons developing their ESF technique should work first on the tibia before repairing fractures of the radius and other long bones using this method. All types of ESF can be applied to the tibia. The most useful ESF for the repair of tibial fractures are the type II and modified type II ESF.
Growth Plate Fractures of the Tibia Bone Avulsion fracture the tibial tuberosity occurs in young animal , usually between 4-8 months of age. The tibial tuberosity serves as the insertion point of the quadriceps muscles through the patellar ligament, and avulsion result from contaction of the muscle while stifle is flexed and the foot firmly on the ground, Such mechanism could easily occur during jumping or running and perhaps in a fall. Surgery: Open reduction and internal fixation technique.
AfterCare:
Physeal fractures usually Salter type 1 or type 11 injuries occur in young animal. After skeletal maturity, fractures in this region are slightly more distal. The entire epiphysis and tibial tuberosity are usallu involved, and the tendency is for dislocation in a caudolateral direction in relation to the tibial shalft Surgery: Open reduction and internal fixation technique. A longitudinal skin inciosion is made on the craniomedial surface of the proximal tibia and stifle. After open reduction, transfixed by multiple Kirschner wires. The medial and lateral pins are started near the periphery of the tibial plateau, where they do not interfere with the femoral condyles.These pins pushed to penetrate the opposite cortex for the best stability. AfterCare:
Mid-shift tibial fracture repaired:
Make a skin incision on the cranial aspect of the crus for the medial approach to the tibia. This approach will simplify closure and prevent the skin being closed directly over the plate.Wound breakdown over the distal tibia is a problem if this is not done. Intraoperative contouring of the bone plate, prior to application to the bone, is necessary due to the sigmoid shape of the tibia in a mediolateral and craniocaudal plane.
AfterCare:
Distal tibial fracture; This fracture is observed primarily in the immature animal as a physeal fracture of Salter type 1 or type 11. Reduction and fixation vary with the individual case. In some patient s, reduction may be accomplished closed by a combination of traction, countertraction, and manipulation. An open reduction may be mandatory for satisfactory reduction in most case: the approach is usually made on the medial side. Because the distal tibial has no muscular covering, the bone is virtually subcutaneous.
Surgery: Open reduction and internal fixation technique.
AfterCare:
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Dear Dr. Dhaliwal and Staff,
I wanted to let you know how much Zoe and I appreciate your dedication and good care! Zoe is doing excellent after Luxating Patella Surgery.
We will continue our visits, as we have for the past 7 years, from our new home in Brooklyn, Mi., as I trust in your care explicitly!
Thank You so much!
Cindy and Zoe Houston
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Ruth' TestimonialsDr. Dhaliwal and his staff at Michigan Avenue Animal Hospital have taken exemplary care of our family's pets for several years. We have been extremely pleased with the quality of care provided. His loving and understanding way makes us feel we have found the best veterinarian - and a new friend.
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