Assessment of Pedicle screw-Rod implantation as an external fixation method for tibial osteotomy in a canine model

Abstract

Recent advancements in minimally invasive osteosynthesis have improved atraumatic techniques for bone fracture fixation. Pedicle screws are implants primarily used for the internal fixation of the spine. To our knowledge, no studies have assessed the use of Pedicle screw-Rod for fixing long bone fractures or osteotomies. Our study aimed to assess the efficiency and performance of this implant as an external fixation method for experimentally induced tibial fractures, offering a novel surgical approach to tibial fixation. With approval from the Institutional Animal Care Committee, eight healthy, intact male dogs weighing 20–22 kg and aged 10–12 months of mixed breeds underwent aseptic surgical fixation of tibial osteotomies with Pedicle screw-Rod configuration using a minimally invasive medial approach to the tibia. All dogs were placed in the single treatment group. Postoperative clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed. The fixation device functioned effectively until removal. Lameness was fully resolved in all animals by 21 days post-operation. Clinical union occurred at 5.80 ± 1.30 weeks, while complete bone union was achieved at 11.40 ± 1.51 weeks after surgery. Postoperative mechanical medial proximal and distal tibial angles were, 92.00° (92.00°, 91.50°) and 93.40° ± 1.14°, respectively. The tibial valgus was 5.20° ± 1.48°, and tibial plateau angles measured 22.00° (23.00°, 22.00°). There were no significant differences noted when comparing values before and after the operation. Postoperative rotational alignment was anatomical, with satisfactory bone apposition. The study found that using a Pedicle Screw-Rod configuration for non-articular tibial osteotomy fixation is effective without significant complications.