Classification of Fractures of Long Bones in the Dog and Cat: Introduction and Clinical Application

Abstract

Abstract A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described. It includes definitions of terms and a method of classification, based on fracture criteria seen on radiographs. This fracture classification was adapted from the AO/ASIF classification in man, to accomodate the special requirements of small animals. The localization and morphology of fractures were characterized with defined conventional terms, in order to assign an alpha-numeric code to each fracture. This coding system may also be used for computer filing of the data. With this classification system, the fractures are ranked in increasing severity and complexity for the various anatomical locations. This provides some prognostic and therapeutic informations. The system was used to code 1038 radiographically documented long bone fractures in dogs and cats. The distribution of fractures, with regard to their localization and morphology, was recorded. The system was easy to apply and proved to be able to supply valuable and reliable data. A computer filing system for the classification of fractured long bones in dogs and cats is described.