Mechanicsville Animal Hospital

Leg fractures are the most common orthopedic problem presented at our clinic and usually result from a mishap with an automobile. They can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the location and type of fracture. We can apply a cast to treat certain fractures, however, many fractures will require surgical intervention:

• Pinning stabilizes the fracture by inserting a long stainless steel rod into the middle of the bone across the fractured area.

• Plating involves attaching a flat stainless steel plate to the bone using screws on either side of the fracture.

• External fixation stabilizes fractures using a series of pins on the outside of the leg that pass through the skin and into the bone on either side of the fracture.