Orthopedic Surgery: Fractures, Ligament Tears & Joint Issues
Orthopedic injuries—broken bones, torn ligaments, joint problems—require expert surgical care. Eastex Veterinary Clinic provides skilled orthopedic surgery for dogs and cats, restoring mobility and eliminating pain from bone and joint injuries.
Timely surgical intervention for orthopedic injuries significantly improves outcomes. Don’t delay if your pet has a suspected fracture or ligament tear.
Common Orthopedic Conditions We Treat
Bone Fractures
Broken bones from trauma require surgical stabilization. We use pins, plates, screws, or other fixation methods to hold bones in place while they heal. X-rays guide surgical planning.
Torn ACL/Cruciate Ligament
Torn anterior cruciate ligaments are common in dogs, causing lameness and arthritis. Surgical repair restores knee stability. Multiple surgical techniques are available.
Patellar Luxation
The kneecap dislocates from its groove, common in small breeds. Surgery deepens the groove and realigns structures to prevent reluxation.
Hip Dysplasia
Abnormal hip development causes pain and arthritis. Surgical options include total hip replacement or procedures that improve hip stability and alignment.
Ligament Injuries
Stretched or torn ligaments in legs, knees, hips, or shoulders cause lameness and instability. Surgery restores stability and function.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Before orthopedic surgery, we perform:
- Digital X-rays to assess injury extent and guide surgical approach
- Blood work to ensure your pet can tolerate anesthesia
- Thorough physical examination
- Discussion of surgical options and expected outcomes
Surgical Techniques & Fixation Methods
We use modern surgical techniques including:
- Internal fixation (pins, plates, screws, wires) for fracture stabilization
- ACL/cruciate repair techniques (suture, imbrication, extracapsular repair)
- Arthroscopic surgery for joint conditions
- Total hip replacement for severe hip dysplasia
- Custom surgical approaches based on injury location and type
Post-Operative Care & Recovery
Recovery from orthopedic surgery requires strict care:
- Pain management for comfort during healing
- Restricted activity and controlled exercise progression
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises
- Suture/staple removal at 10-14 days
- Follow-up X-rays to monitor healing
- Gradual return to normal activity over 4-12 weeks depending on injury
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Delayed treatment of orthopedic injuries leads to complications:
- Secondary arthritis development
- Permanent lameness or loss of limb function
- Chronic pain
- Abnormal gait leading to other injuries
Early surgical intervention prevents these complications and gives your pet the best chance for full recovery.
Orthopedic Surgery FAQs
How long does orthopedic surgery take?
Surgery duration varies by injury type and complexity. Simple fractures may take 30-60 minutes; complex cases take 2+ hours. We provide specific timeframes before surgery.
What’s the recovery time after orthopedic surgery?
Most orthopedic surgeries require 6-12 weeks recovery with strict activity restriction. Your pet’s specific recovery depends on the injury and procedure.
Will my pet have full function after surgery?
Most pets return to excellent function with proper post-operative care. Some injuries may leave minor limitations, but significant improvement is the goal.
How much does orthopedic surgery cost?
Costs vary significantly based on surgery type and complexity. Simple fractures may cost $1,500-3,000. Complex cases or joint surgery may cost $3,000-8,000+. We provide estimates before surgery.
Is physical therapy necessary after orthopedic surgery?
Physical therapy and controlled exercise significantly improve outcomes. We provide specific exercises and guidelines for home rehabilitation.
What if my pet doesn’t heal well after surgery?
Most orthopedic surgeries heal well with proper care. If complications occur, we monitor closely and adjust treatment. Reoperation is occasionally needed but rare.
Can I avoid surgery for orthopedic injuries?
Some minor injuries may improve with rest and pain management, but most fractures and ligament tears require surgery for optimal outcomes.