Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22(01): 38-46
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-08-02-0012
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Feline combined diaphyseal radial and ulnar fractures

A retrospective study of 28 cases
A. M. Wallace
1   Queens Veterinary School Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
,
B. De La Puerta
2   The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
,
D. Trayhorn
3   Lower Tasburgh, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
,
A. P. Moores
4   Anderson Sturgess Veterinary Specialists, The Granary, Bunstead Barns, Hursley, Winchester, UK
,
S. J. Langley-Hobbs
1   Queens Veterinary School Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 03 February 2008

Accepted: 07 April 2008

Publication Date:
17 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Feline combined diaphyseal radial and ulnar fractures were reviewed in a retrospective study of cases that were admitted to two university teaching hospitals. A high incidence of complications was noted, with 6/26 (23.1%) of cases requiring revision surgery. Open fractures were significantly more likely to require revision surgery. The two main repair methods were external skeletal fixation (ESF) or radial plating. The success rate was greater for radial plating, with only 1/10 (10%) cases requiring revision versus 4/14 (28.6%) for ESF. However, ESF tended to be applied to the more complicated fractures. Stabilisation of both bones proved to be an effective repair strategy with only 1/8 cases (12.5%) requiring revision versus 5/18 cases (27.8%) where only one bone was stabilised. Synostoses and radiohumeral luxation were noted as complications associated with the fractures stabilised by ESF. Final limb function following recovery was assessed as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in 93.3% of cases.