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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2008; 21(03): 256-261
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1617370
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Evolution of the treatment of canine radial and tibial fractures with external fixators

A. L. Johnson
1   Departments of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
,
D. J. Schaeffer
2   Departments of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 11 February 2008

Accepted 03 April 2008

Publication Date:
12 January 2018 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: To determine if indications for external fixator treatment of radial and tibial fractures, management of the fractures, or outcomes have changed over three decades. Methods: Three groups of dogs were identified from discrete time spans within three decades and the medical records and radiographs were evaluated. The groups were compared in order to determine whether indications (signalment, etiology, fracture type and configuration), reduction method, equipment and implants, frame types and pin numbers, numbers of radiographic reevaluations, use of destabilization, frequency of pin track osteolysis, frame removal times and percentage of complications remained the same over the decades. Results: The indications for external fixator treatment of radial and tibial fractures remained consistent over three decades. The equipment and implants changed over the decades. Frame construction changed from the predominately Type II frames constructed in the 1980’s and 1990’s to a variety of modified Type II, Type Ia, Type Ib and hybrid frames constructed in the 2000’s. The frequency of pin track osteolysis decreased significantly over the decades. Frame removal times have not changed significantly over the past three decades. Complications (nonunion, delayed union, osteomyelitis, implant failure and premature frame loss) have decreased over this time. Clinical significance: Improvements in techniques and equipment have led to decreased complications with external fixators.

Keywords

External fixator - radius - tibia - fracture - dog
 

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