What is a Fracture Repair?
A Fracture repair is the surgical stabilization of a broken bone, allowing it to heal in the right position and the limb to return to full function. Rather than relying solely on a cast, a board-certified surgeon realigns the bone and holds it in place with implants chosen based on the specific break. Common implants used are bone plates and screws, pins, or an external fixator. Fracture repairs are among the most common reasons pets are referred to a surgical specialist, most often after trauma such as a fall or a car accident.
- Repairs broken bones, most often after trauma such as falls or vehicle accidents
- Common sites we treat: femur, tibia, humeral condyle, radius, and ilium (pelvis)
- The repair varies with the location and severity of the fracture, no two are the same
- Stabilized with bone plates and screws, pins, or external fixators, matched to the fracture
- Performed on both dogs and cats
- Orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia
- Recovery: commonly about 8 to 12 weeks of bone healing, depending on the fracture and the pet's age
- Performed by board-certified surgeons (DACVS)
- Locations: Nashville (Brentwood) and Memphis (Germantown)
When Your Pet Needs a Surgeon
Not every fracture is obvious, but the common signs are hard to miss: a pet that suddenly won’t bear weight on a limb, a limb that hangs or looks out of alignment, swelling, or clear pain after an accident or fall. Some fractures can be managed with a cast or splint, but many, especially breaks that involve a joint, growth plate, or that are broken into several pieces, heal far better with surgical repair by a specialist. If your primary veterinarian has identified a fracture, early referral gives the best chance at a clean, complete recovery. In many cases, Apex Veterinary Surgery can get your pet to surgery within 24-72 hours.
What the Procedure Involves
The right repair depends entirely on the fracture: where it is, how many pieces the bone is in, whether it involves a joint, and the pet’s age and size. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon realigns the bone fragments and stabilizes them with the implants best suited to that break, which may be a bone plate and screws, pins, an external fixator, or a combination. The goal is a stable, well-aligned bone that can heal and carry weight normally. Your surgeon will explain the specific plan for your pet, including the implants used and whether they stay in place permanently or are removed later.
Why a Board-Certified Surgeon Matters
Fractures that involve a joint surface, a growth plate in a young animal, or a bone broken into multiple pieces are technically demanding, and how well they are repaired shapes the rest of the pet’s life. A board-certified surgeon (DACVS) has years of advanced training in fracture repairs, allowing them to repair the fracture correctly the first time. This reduces complications and gives the limb the best chance at full, pain-free function.
Recovery Timeline
Fracture recovery varies more than elective procedures because it depends on the type of break and the pet’s age. The stages below are only a general guide; your surgeon’s plan and recheck radiographs always take priority.
Weeks 0-2
Strict rest and incision care. Very limited, supported movement. Pain managed with medication.
Weeks 2-6
Continued rest with controlled, gradual activity as directed. Recheck exams to monitor healing.
Weeks 6-12
Activity increases as radiographs confirm the bone is healing. Return to normal is guided by imaging, not the calendar.
Follow-up
Follow-up radiographs confirm healing; some implants are removed once the bone is solid.
Young animals often heal faster; complex fractures take longer. Your surgeon’s instructions and recheck imaging guide every step.
Meet Your Surgeons
Chase Atwood, DVM, DACVS-SA
Nashville (Brentwood). Board-certified veterinary surgeon (DACVS); Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University; surgical residency at Memphis Veterinary Specialists. Full bio here.
Mac Maxwell, DVM, MS DACVS-SA
For referring veterinarians
Apex is a referral-based surgical practice, and we know fractures are often time-sensitive. If you have a canine or feline fracture that needs surgical repair, referral is simple and can be accomplished via email, phone, or through the referral form on our website. We keep you informed at every step and return your patient to your care for follow-up..
Refer a PatientFrequently Asked Questions
How much does fracture repair surgery cost?
Cost depends on the type and location of the fracture, the implants required, and your pet’s size. Because no two fractures are alike, we give a clear estimate after evaluating the break, before anything is scheduled.
Can't a broken bone just heal in a cast?
Some simple, stable fractures can be managed with a cast or splint. Many cannot. This is particularly the case with breaks involving a joint, a growth plate, or that are broken into several pieces. For those, surgical repair gives a far more reliable, complete recovery. Your surgeon will tell you honestly which category your pet’s fracture falls into.
How long until my pet walks normally again?
Most fractures heal over about 8 to 12 weeks, though this varies with the type of break and your pet’s age. Return to full activity is guided by recheck radiographs that confirm the bone has healed, not by a fixed date.
Do the implants stay in forever?
Often yes. Many plates, screws, and pins are designed to stay in place permanently and cause no problems. In some cases, implants are removed once the bone is fully healed. Your surgeon will tell you which applies to your pet.
What happens if we don't do surgery?
Does my dog need a referral?
We are a referral-based practice. Your primary veterinarian can refer you, or you can contact us directly to get started.
NASHVILLE
1804 Williamson Ct, Ste 208
Brentwood, TN 37027
615.997.3960 – Office
615.861.0386 – Cell
MEMPHIS
2999 Centre Oak Way
Germantown, TN 38138
901.430.9997 – Office