Bridging plate combined with and external fixator osteosynthesis in a dog.

The case of a highly comminuted gunshot fracture of the femur in a German S hepherd is reported here, Surgical opportunities for the treatment of this fracture are discussed in order to identify the best procedure, The differe nts steps of the elicited surgical therapy are described and illustrated. T he authors focused on the concept of the bridging plate osteosynthesis i.e. to avoid opening and handling the fracture site, and to minimize additiona l trauma by setting a plate without direct surgical exposure, The bridging plate fixation was associated with a half-pin external fixator removed fort y days after surgery, The clinical and radiological follow-up showed the go od results obtained with this "biologic" strategy.