Abstract:

BACKGROUND: An effective fixation method is the basis to maintain the stability of the fracture in titial fracture models in animals.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of four different fixation methods of tibial fracture model in rabbits.
METHODS: Forty rabbits were randomly divided to four groups (n = 10). Straight legs and double plaster splints group: external fixation of straight legs using double plaster splints; shaping and double plaster splints group: external fixation of flexing knee and ankle using double plaster splints; shaping and plaster cast group: external fixation of flexing knee and ankle using plaster cast fixation method; both internal and external fixation group: internal fixation using kirschner wire and external fixation using double plaster splints on flexing knee and ankle.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The time that plasters fell was earlier and the infection rate of injured limb was higher in the straight legs and double plaster splints group and than in the other three groups (P < 0.05). At the 4th week after fracture, the number of rabbits showing displacement of fracture ends was smallest in both internal and external fixation group (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that only the method that internal fixation using kirschner wire and external fixation using double plaster splints on flexing knee and ankle can maintain the stability of experimental rabbit tibial fracture.