Use of a circular external skeletal fixator for stifle arthrodesis in a dog

Arthrodesis of the right stifle was performed in a 21 kg German shepherd do g that had sustained a comminuted fracture of the lateral femoral condyle a s a result of a gunshot wound. The arthrodesis was stabilised with a circul ar external skeletal fixator. A simplified technique to facilitate creation of the osteotomies of the femur and tibia, and positioning of the stifle a t the desired angle, is described. Compression of the subchondral bone surf aces of the distal femur and proximal tibia was achieved using tensioned co iled transarticular Kirschner wires. Arthrodesis of the stifle was confirme d radiographically 21 weeks following surgery, and the fixator was removed. After union of the arthrodesis and removal of the fixator, the dog was ful ly weightbearing when standing or walking, and intermittently weightbearing or non-weightbearing at faster gaits.