Closed reduction and type-II external fixation of comminuted fractures of the radius and tibia in dogs: 23 cases (1990–1994)

Abstract

Objective To describe a technique for closed reduction of and application of a type-II external fixator to comminuted fractures of the radius and tibia in dogs and to evaluate outcome of the technique in a series of client-owned dogs. Design Retrospective case series. Animals 23 dogs that underwent closed reduction of severely comminuted (≥ 5 fragments); mid-diaphyseal radial (n = 9); and tibial (n = 14) fractures and stabilization with a type-II external fixator. Procedure Radiographs were made postoperatively and every 4 to 6 weeks until the fixator was removed. The effect of type of fracture (open vs closed), type of pins (threaded vs smooth), and number of fixation pins on surgery time, time between surgery and development of bridging callus, and time between surgery and removal of the fixator was evaluated using one-sided Student's t-tests. Results 21 fractures healed after a single surgery. Two dogs with radial fractures required a second procedure because of complications. All fractures healed with the original fixation device in place. Mean time between surgery and the development of bridging callus was 11.4 weeks (range, 4 to 22 weeks), and mean time between surgery and fixator removal was 14.7 weeks (range, 4 to 27 weeks). Type of fracture, type of pins, and number of fixation pins did not have a significant effect on surgery time, time to development of bridging callus, or time to fixator removal. Clinical Implications Closed reduction and application of a type-II external fixator was an effective method of treating severely comminuted radial and tibial fractures. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:1445–1448)