The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a butterfly-shaped external fixation technique applied using a closed approach for the stabilization of traumatic carpal and tarsal joint instability in cats and dogs. This study included 39 patients (29 cats and 10 dogs) presented with acute lameness to the Surgical Clinic of Istanbul University?Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed carpal or tarsal joint instability associated with luxation and ligament injuries. Joint stabilization was achieved without opening the joint by applying a linear type II external skeletal fixation system using Kirschner wires connected with thermoplastic material. The butterfly-shaped configuration was designed to provide temporary joint stabilization and promote periarticular fibrosis rather than osseous fusion. Postoperative clinical examinations and stress radiography were performed at the 4th and 8th postoperative weeks. Successful joint stabilization was achieved in 97% of the cases by the 8th postoperative week. Most complications were minor and included pin tract infection, skin irritation, and occasional pin breakage. External fixation materials were removed at the 12th postoperative week in the majority of patients without any adverse effects or recurrence of instability. The butterfly-shaped external fixation technique applied via a closed approach is a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and well-tolerated alternative to arthrodesis for the treatment of carpal and tarsal joint instability in cats and dogs. Temporary immobilization for 8?12 weeks was sufficient to restore joint stability with a low complication rate.
YALIN et al. (2026) studied this question.