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