Here at Poulsbo Animal Clinic, we take great pride in offering in-house routine and advanced orthopedic surgeries without the need to travel to the Seattle area. Dr. Craig Adams is highly skilled and experienced in performing a wide variety of orthopedic surgeries. Dr. Adams is currently a member of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS), a specialty organization committed to the research and clinical practice in veterinary orthopedics. He also has advanced training in minimally-invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO), a specialized technique to repair fractures that preserves blood supply to the bone, decreases infection risk, and promotes healing.
Using specialized instrumentation, Dr. Adams is able to repair a variety of conditions or injuries, including:
- Ruptured or torn cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL), also known as anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL)
- Meniscus injuries or tears
- Luxating patellas
- Femoral head ostectomies (FHO)
- Bone fractures
We offer an updated version of the TPLO for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair called a CBLO. You can learn more about this technique by reading our CBLO page.
As with all other surgeries, great care is taken to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort before, during, and after the procedure. From pre-surgery education to advanced cardiovascular monitoring to post-surgery pain management, Dr. Adams and his experienced team are committed to your pet’s health during orthopedic surgery.
Minimally Invasive Fracture Repair
Minimally Invasive Plating Osteosynthesis (MIPO),
AKA Minimally Invasive Fracture Repair
Some fractures can be repaired using the MIPO technique. It allows for a plate repair through 2 small incisions at the ends of the bone, away from the fracture site. The goal is not to put the “puzzle” back together, but to align the joints, and stabilize the fracture. By not manipulating the fracture, the blood supply is not damaged, there is quicker healing, reduced infection risk, and an earlier return to function, in most cases.
Toby is an active, 2-year-old cat that fractured his tibia and fibula. We were able to use the MIPO technique and achieved excellent results in 8 weeks. The bone will continue to remodel over time and will smooth out more and more. He is completely sound and there is no limp.
Hip and Related Fracture Treatments
Hip problems are common in pets, and sometimes surgical intervention is necessary. We have treated numerous cases successfully at our clinic.
Femoral Head/Neck Fractures: These can be repaired using bone pins. For example, Jeph, a cat who likely sustained an injury from a car, had a multi-location femoral neck fracture that was successfully treated with this method.
Capital Physeal Fractures in Cats: Archie, a young cat with fractures on both sides due to incomplete closure of the growth plate in the hip, underwent a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO). The procedure, though seemingly drastic, allows for the formation of a pseudojoint and excellent recovery.
Advanced Hip Arthritis: In cases where hip injuries go undiagnosed, severe arthritis can develop, as seen in a cat that lived with fractures for years. Treatment in such advanced stages typically involves FHO.
Other Related Conditions Include>Lumbo-Sacral Luxation: Similar to a hip dislocation but occurring where the pelvis attaches to the vertebral column. For example, Fluffy, a cat hit by a car, had a lumbo-sacral dislocation and a femoral fracture, both repaired using a combination of a long lag screw, an anti-rotational screw, a plate, and an intramedullary pin.
Hip Dislocations: We also repair hip dislocations using a toggle-pin technique. Georgie, a dog injured by a horse, underwent this surgery with excellent results.
At Poulsbo Animal Clinic, our team is skilled in various advanced surgical techniques to address complex fractures and dislocations. If you’d like to learn more about our orthopedic surgeries or schedule an appointment, please contact us.