Comparison of a reverse-transverse cross pin technique with a same side cross pin type II external skeletal fixator in 89 dogs

The objective of this study was to determine whether a novel reverse-transverse cross pin insertion technique could increase the stability of type II external skeletal fixators (ESF) in dogs compared with an alternate, same side cross pin ESF. Reverse-transverse cross pin technique and type II ESFs same side cross pin technique were applied and compared among subjects. Two of 42 ESFs (4.8%) applied with the reverse-transverse cross pin technique and 39 of 47 ESFs (83%) applied with the same side cross pin technique were subjectively unstable at the time of fixator removal (P < 0.001). The same side cross pin ESFs had significantly more pin tract new bone formation than the reverse-transverse ESFs (P = 0.038). In summary, this approach may provide a method of treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and soft tissue cases, which reverse-transverse cross pin ESFs are tolerated in dogs for a variety of conditions.