UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL FACULDADE DE VETERINÁRIA TRABALHO DE CONCLUSÃO DE CURSO FISIOTERAPIA COMO ADJUVANTE AO TRATAMENTO DA UNIÃO-ÓSSEA RETARDADA

The union delayed bone is characterized when the time exceeds bone healing to that normally observed for a given type of fracture, although the osteogenic activity remains preserved. Fractures of long bones are commonly affected by this type of complication, and that factors such as excessive manipulation and instability of the fracture, infections, poor blood supply, injury to adjacent soft tissues, and especially errors in choosing the method of fixation and surgical technique used. The affected animals have pain, muscle atrophy and difficulty supporting member. The diagnosis is made by clinical signs and radiographic examination. The treatment may be surgical replacement with the method of attachment and use of bone grafts. However, the therapy is being increasingly used as an alternative method of treatment, promoting the development of callus and acceleration of bone healing process. This study aims, through a literature review addressing the key methods used in physiotherapy treatment of delayed bone union in small animals. Key-words: delayed union, physiotherapy, bone healing.