Delimitation of safe corridors for the insertion of external fixator pins in the dog 1: Hindlimb

Anatomical dissections of fresh canine hindlimb specimens were carried out on the femoral region and crus and cross sections of the crus to identify the location of safe corridors for external skeletal fixator pin insertion. Safe, hazardous and unsafe corridors were defined and measured along the canine hindlimb. Recommendations are made on the safe and effective use of fixator frames in the canine femur and tibia, in order to avoid potentially serious complications. No safe corridors were identified in the canine femoral region. The canine tibia is an eccentric bone and its entire medial aspect and part of its cranial aspect lie in a subcutaneous position. These areas are identified as safe for external skeletal fixator pin insertion.