The fifth metatarsal bone as autologous graft to femur in dogs.

摘要

Five dogs with comminuted femoral shaft fractures were selected for rescue surgery. The shaft of the ipsilateral fifth metatarsal bone was removed and a Steinman pin was placed within its medullary canal. The graft was then placed within the medullary canal of femur and the fracture was stabilized with an external fixator. In all cases, the inclusion of the bone graft was successful. Animals were not clinically affected by the removal of the metatarsal bone and started to walk normally after 3 to 12 weeks. It was concluded that such bone grafts can be of value in comminuted fractures.