Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632769
Use of the tubular external fixator in the treatment of distal radial and ulnar fractures in small dogs and cats
A retrospective clinical studyPublication History
Received
17 September 2002
Accepted
14 February 2003
Publication Date:
22 February 2018 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00035023/200303/lookinside/thumbnails/10-1055-s-0038-1632769-1.jpg)
Summary
Twenty-two fractures of the distal radius and ulna in small dogs and cats treated with a tubular external fixator system were evaluated. Radius/ulna fractures in toy breeds often occur in the distal metaphyseal region. Placing two screws through a bone plate in the distal radius in such cases is difficult even if a miniplate is used. The tubular external fixator allows multiple-pin clamping in parallel with a single connecting bar. Using this technique, four pins can be placed in a bone fragment, the length of which would hold only two screws in a 2.0 mini-DCP. The tubular external fixator was found to be a satisfactory alternative to bone plating for the fixation of distal radial/ulnar fractures, providing sufficient fracture stability with minimal soft tissue trauma.
-
References
- 1 Anderson MA, Mann FA, Wagner CMann, Hahn AW, Jiang BL, Tomlinson JL. A comparison of nonthreaded, enhanced threaded and Ellis fixation pins used in type I external skeletal fixators in dogs. J Vet Surg 1993; 22: 482-9.
- 2 Bouvy BM, Markel MD, Chelikani S, Egger EL, Piermattei DL, Vanderby R. Ex vivo biomechanics of Kirschner-Ehmer external skeletal fixation applied to canine tibiae. J Vet Surg 1993; 22: 194-207.
- 3 Brinker WO, Piermattei DL, Flo GL. Fractures: Classification, diagnosis, and treatment. In: Brinker WO, Piermattei DL, Flo GL. (eds). Handbook of Small Animal Clinical Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1997: 24-146.
- 4 Brinker WO, Piermattei DL, Flo GL. Fractures of the radius and ulna. In: Brinker WO, Piermattei DL, Flo GL. (eds). Handbook of Small Animal Clinical Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1997: 321-43.
- 5 Brinker WO, Verstraete MC, Soutas-Little RW. Stiffness studies on various configurations and types of external fixators. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1985; 21: 801-8.
- 6 Chancrin JL, Boubee T, Marguin M. Utilisation du Fixateur externe du Service de Santé des Armées (F.E.S.S.A.) en chirurgie orthopédique vétérinaire: à propos de 29 cas. Pratique Médicale et Chirurgicale de l’Animal de Compagnie 1990; 25: 217-23.
- 7 Eger CE. A technique for the management of radial and ulnar fractures in miniature dogs using transfixation pins. J Small Anim Prac 1990; 31: 377-87.
- 8 Egger EL. Fractures of the radius and ulna. In: Slatter DH. (ed). Textbook of Small Animal Surgery Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1993: 1736-56.
- 9 Egger EL. Complications of external fixation. Vet Clin of North America: Small Animal Practice 1991; 21: 705-33.
- 10 Gautier E, Rahn BA, Perren SM. Vascular remodelling. Injury 1995; 26: 11-9.
- 11 Hulse D, Hymann B. Fracture biology and biomechanics. In: Slatter DH. (ed). Textbook of Small Animal Surgery Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1993: 1595-1603.
- 12 Hulse D. Concept of balanced osteosynthesis: small animal orthopedics. Proceedings 30 years AO Vet Jubilee course Davos, 5-10. December. 1999
- 13 Johnson AL, Kneller SK, Weigel RM. Radial and tibial fracture repair with external skeletal fixation: Effects of fracture type, reduction, and complication on healing. J Vet Surg 1989; 18: 367-72.
- 14 Lappin MR, Aron DN, Herron HL, Malnati G. Fractures of the radius and the ulna in the dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1983; 19: 643-50.
- 15 Larsen LJ, Roush JK, McLaughlin RM. Bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in smalland miniature breed dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1999; 35: 243-50.
- 16 Matthews LS, Green CA, Goldstein SA. The thermal effects of skeletal fixation pin insertion in bone. J Bone Joint Surg 1984; 66: 1077-83.
- 17 Meyrues JP, Mine J, Rochat C, Mayaudon JL, Trippon PH. Etude méchanique comparative de fixateur externes. Rev Chir Orthop 1980; 66: 317-21.
- 18 Phillips IR. A survey of bone fractures in the dog and cat. J Small Anim Prac 1979; 20: 661-74.
- 19 Reichler IM, von Werthern CJ, Montavon PM. Der Tubuläre Fixateur Externe (F.E.S.S.A.): Klinische Anwendung zur Frakturversorgung bei 6 Zwerghunden und 20 Katzen. Kleintierpraxis 1997; 42: 407-19.
- 20 Rhinelander FW. The normal microcirculation of diaphysal cortex and its response to fracture. J Bone Joint Surg 1968; 50: 784-800.
- 21 Sumner GSmith. Bone plating for radial fractures in small dogs. Mod Vet Pract 1970; 51: 278-282.
- 22 Sumner Smith. Complications of external fixation. Vet Clin of North America: Small Animal Practice 1991; 21: 745-59.
- 23 Unger M, Montavon PM, Heim FA. Classification of long bones in the dog and cat. Introduction and clinical application. VCOT 1990; 03: 41-50.
- 24 Waters DJ, Breur GJ, Toombs JP. Treatment of common forelimb fractures in miniatureand toy-breed dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1993; 29: 442-8.
- 25 Welch JA, Boudrieau RJ, DeJardin LM, Spodnick GJ. The intraosseous blood supply of the canine radius: implications for healing of distal fractures in small breed dogs. J Vet Surg 1997; 26: 57-61.