Repair of Diaphyseal Radius and Ulna Fractures Using a Modified Type I External Skeletal Fixator and Ulnar Intramedullary Pin

W. C. Renberg; R. L. Goring; J. J. de Haan

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1632498

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1996; 09(01): 29-35
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632498

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Repair of Diaphyseal Radius and Ulna Fractures Using a Modified Type I External Skeletal Fixator and Ulnar Intramedullary Pin

Authors

W. C. Renberg

¹From Affiliated Veterinary Specialists Winter Park, Florida, USA
R. L. Goring

¹From Affiliated Veterinary Specialists Winter Park, Florida, USA
J. J. de Haan

¹From Affiliated Veterinary Specialists Winter Park, Florida, USA

Abstract

Summary

Modified type I external skeletal fixation of the radius (using a curved connecting bar and unique pin placement) was combined with intramedullary pinning of the ulna to repair eight ipsilateral radius and ulna fractures in dogs. The intramedullary ulnar pin was placed first, aligning the radial fragments, which allowed closed application of the radial fixation. External skeletal fixation was designed to minimize soft tissue trauma and achieve a uniform boneto- connecting-bar distance. Seven of eight fractures healed in eight to twelve weeks with the technique described. The eighth case needed additional fixation following complications associated with the severity of the injury. Results of this study demonstrate that the technique is a suitable alternative for repair of the fracture types included.

A modified type I external skeletal fixator and intramedullary pin was successfully used to repair radius and ulna fractures. The technique was developed in order to provide technically simple but rigid stabilization that minimized soft tissue disruption. The technique is described along with the results in a variety of fracture types.

Keywords

Radius-ulna fracture - external skeletal fixation

Full Text

References

REFERENCES
1 Sumner-Smith G, Cawley AJ. Nonunion of fractures in the dog. J Smal Anim Pract 1970; 11: 311-25.
2 Phillips IR. A survey of bone fractures in the dog and cat. J Smal Anim Pract 1979; 20: 661-74.
3 Vaughan LC. A clinical study of nonunion fractures in the dog. J Smal Anim Pract 1964; 5: 173-7.
4 DeAngelis MP, Olds RB, Stoll SG, Prata RG, Sinibaldi KR. Repair of fractures of the radius and ulna in small dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1973; 9: 436-42.
5 Lappin MR, Aron DN, Herron HL, Malnati G. Fractures of the radius and ulna in the dog. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1983; 19: 643-50.
6 Brinker WO, Piermattei DL, Flo GL. Fractures of the radius and ulna. In: Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Treatment. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 1990: 195-209.
7 Johnson AL, Kneller SK, Weigel RM. Radial and tibial fracture repair with external skeletal fixation. Vet Surg 1989; 18: 367-72.
8 Egger EL, Rigg DL, Blass CE, Berg J, Runyon CL, Wykes PM. Type I biplanar configuration of external skeletal fixation: Application techniques in nine dogs and one cat. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1985; 187: 262-7.
9 Martin RA, Milton JL, Shires PK, Clark DM. Closed reduction and blind pinning of selected fractures and luxations in dogs and cats. Cop Cont Educ 1988; 10: 784-98.
10 Toombs Jp, Aron DN, Basinger RR, Ewing P. Angled connecting bars for transarticular application of Kirschner-Ehmer external fixation splints. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1989; 25: 213-6.
11 Whitehair JG, Vasseur PB. Fractures of the femur. Vet Clin North Am: Small Anim Pract 1992; 22: 149-59.
12 Weber BG, Magerl F. On the Biomechanics of External Fixation. In: The External Fixator. Berlin: Springer; 1985: 27-53.
13 Foland MA, Egger EL. Application of type III extrnal fixators: a review of 23 clinical fractures in 20 dogs and two cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1991; 27: 193-202.
14 Aron DN, Toombs JP, Hollingsworth SC. Primary treatment of severe fractures by external skeletal fixation: threaded pins compared with smooth pins. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1986; 22: 659-70.
15 Palmer RH, Hulse DA, Hyman WA, Palmer DR. Principles of bone healing and biomechanics of external skeletal fixation. Vet Clin North Am: Small Anim Pract 1992; 22: 45-68.
16 Marti JM, Miller A. Delimitation of safe corridors for the insertion of external fixator pins in the dog 2: forelimb. J Small Anim Pract 1994; 35: 78-85.
17 Rudd RG, Whitehair JG. Fractures of the radius and ulna. Vet Clin North Am: Small Anim Pract 1992; 22: 135-48.
18 Egkher E, Martinek H, Wielke B. How to increase the stability of external fixation units. Arch Orthop Traumat Surg 1980; 96: 35-43.
19 Egger EL. Static strength evaluation of six external skeletal fixation configurations. Vet Surg 1983; 12: 130-6.