CONSOLIDATION OF BONE FRACTURES IN DOGS AND CATS

Fracture healing is an essential physiological process that determines quality of life as well as survival. Non-closure of the fracture determines significant limitations in the function of the musculoskeletal system. Deformities formed after fractures due to non-anatomical reposition of bone fragments, for example, reduction or curvature of a limb, determine pronounced limitations of biomechanical movements and capabilities. The ultimate goal is to consolidate the fracture with full return of bone strength as before the fracture. Quite a unique biological and physiological process, significantly long in time. The short phase of endochondral formation of superficial callus is replaced by a long phase of bone remodeling (remodeling). In the process of formation of endochondral callus, there is a possibility of non-fusion of bone fragments with the possibility of recurrence of the fracture. This review summarizes the available data on fracture consolidation in dogs and cats, looking at aspects related to classic, primary healing and what affects the rate of healing. Also aspects of delayed consolidation are: significant mobility due to unstable immobilization in case of bone fracture; the presence of a large diastasis between bone fragments; multifragmented fractures; decreased and impaired blood supply to the bones; possible infection in the fracture zone and concomitant systemic diseases in animals. As a result, the consolidation algorithm is quite complex and lengthy; it characterizes an increase in the number of cells capable of forming bone and connective tissue - osteoblasts and fibroblasts, respectively. Due to the formation of special substances by these cellular structures, all layers of the bone mature and its integrity is restored with the restoration of the musculoskeletal function.