Given the amount of disruption to the normal bone anatomy in a comminuted fracture, this often requires open fixation, which means surgically exposing the bones by separating and, if necessary, cutting through muscle to visualize the fracture and to put it back together. To repair a comminuted fracture, the ends of the bone must be opposed and the continuity of the bone restored as close to normal as possible.Antibiotics may be started at this time, or a sampling for bacterial culture may be taken from the fracture site. Any areas of skin, muscle and other soft tissue trauma is dressed and covered to prevent further contamination at the fracture site.While other life-threatening problems are being addressed, a temporary bandage may be applied to an injured limb. Treatment of Comminuted Fractures in Cats There are no laboratory tests specific to fractures, but blood may be obtained and tested prior to a general anesthesia.Chest x-rays may be obtained at the same time to ensure that there are no chest injuries that need to be addressed before possible anesthesia. Radiographs (x-rays) will be taken to diagnose the presence of the fracture.After stabilization, additional tests may include: Given that most comminuted fractures occur secondary to major trauma, other vital systems will be assessed and stabilized first. In many cases, a history of trauma will be obvious, but your veterinarian will question you carefully about any other health problems prior to the accident. Seeing a limb dangle in an awkward and unnatural positionĭiagnosis of Comminuted Fractures in Cats.Significant limb swelling when a pet returns from being missing.Many of these fractures are associated with other life threatening injuries. Most comminuted fractures are considered a severe orthopedic injury, which, unless treated, may lead to loss of limb function and could lead to spread of infection and even death. There is no breed predisposition, but since vehicular trauma is the most common cause of comminuted fractures, young intact males are more commonly affected. Many comminuted fractures will also be described as open, where a piece of shattered bone pierces through the skin, causing contamination or infection. A lot of force and energy is required to fragment bone, and this energy also affects the surrounding soft tissues. The fracture site consists of multiple pieces of bone, which can be small or large, grouped together or displaced within the traumatized tissue.Ĭomminuted fractures are associated with high-energy trauma such as being hit by a car or sustaining a gunshot injury. A comminuted fracture is a splintered or fragmented break in the continuity of bone or cartilage.
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