Simple and multiple fractures of the radius treated with an external fixator

Abstract

Summary The medical records of 56 dogs with diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna treated with Type lb or Type II external skeletal fixation were reviewed. The patients were referred to the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois or the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine during the period from 1983 to 1999. There were thirty-two “simple” fractures and twenty-four multiple fractures. Twenty-four Type II frames and eight Type lb frames were used to treat the “simple” fractures. Twenty Type II frames and four Type lb frames were used to treat the multiple fractures. Eight of the thirty-two dogs with “simple” fractures and twelve of the twenty-four dogs with multiple fractures were admitted with open fractures. Open fractures were associated with a significantly longer time to fracture “bridging” Open reduction was used more frequently for the treatment of dogs with “simple” fractures. Open reduction resulted in greater bone contact at the fracture site. Contact at the fracture site resulted in a shorter time to removal of the external fixation. Clinical union was achieved in fifty of fifty-six fractures, with a mean time to removal of the fixation of 14.2 weeks. Significant difference, in the mean time to fracture “bridging” or the mean time to fixator removal, were not found between the “simple” and multiple fracture groups. Complications occurred in 25% (14/56) of fractures. Complications of fracture healing occurred in 18% (9/56) of fracture repairs, and fracture related complications occurred in 9%. The complications occurred more frequently in dogs weighing under 5 kg. There was not any difference between the “simple” and multiple fracture groups, with respect to the type or frequency of complications experienced. The results of this study indicate that stabilization, with an External Fixator, is an appropriate treatment for both “simple” and multiple diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna.