Use of the tubular external fixator in the treatment of distal radial and ulnar fractures in small dogs and cats

SummaryTwenty-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.

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

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1632498 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 09 (01) ◽

pp. 29-35

Author(s):

R. L. Goring ◽

J. J. Haan ◽

W. C. Renberg

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Type I ◽

Soft Tissue Trauma ◽

Suitable Alternative ◽

Intramedullary Pinning ◽

Ulna Fractures ◽

Fracture Types ◽

Tissue Trauma ◽

Additional Fixation

SummaryModified 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.

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The unilateral external fixator and acrylic connecting bar, combined with I.M pin, for the treatment of tibial fractures

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1632722 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 15 (02) ◽

pp. 104-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

J. Shani ◽

R. Shahar

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

External Fixator ◽

Surgical Approach ◽

Open Fractures ◽

Tibial Fractures ◽

Soft Tissue Trauma ◽

Medial Side ◽

Tissue Trauma ◽

Clinical Cases

SummaryA unilateral external skeletal fixator (ESF) system with an acrylic connecting bar, combined with an intramedullary (I.M) pin, was used to treat simple, comminuted and open fractures of the tibia in 12 clinical cases occurring in large and small dogs, and in cats. A minimal surgical approach was used in all cases. The I.M pin was placed first, in the normograde fashion, to align the tibial fragments. Transfixation pins were then inserted from the medial side, using previously published guidelines for safe corridors in the tibia (30), thus minimizing the potential for soft tissue trauma. An acrylic connecting bar was used in all of the cases, enabling connection of pins that were not in the same plane. All of the fractures healed uneventfully. This report shows that unilateral ESF with an acrylic connecting bar, combined with an I.M pin, is an effective method for the repair of a wide variety of tibial fractures.

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A Cheap, Disposable External Fixator for Comminuted Phalangeal Fractures

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1016/s0266-7681(98)80227-1 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 84-85 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Y. GODWIN ◽

P. M. ARNSTEIN

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

External Fixator ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

Long Bone ◽

Soft Tissue Trauma ◽

Comminuted Fracture ◽

K Wires ◽

Tissue Trauma ◽

Phalangeal Fractures

Reduction of a severely comminuted fracture of a long bone in the hand can be difficult to hold. An external fixator can be the best method of maintaining satisfactory reduction in such fractures. A small, disposable external fixator is described, made from a syringe barrel and K-wires. It allows accurate reduction with minimal soft tissue trauma and is easy to construct and apply. It allows early mobilization of the digit and is inexpensive.

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Use of the AO Wire Passer to Aid Placement of Obstetrical Saw Wire for Osteotomy

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1633094 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 07 (04) ◽

pp. 180-182

Author(s):

N. Gofton ◽

Joanne Cockshutt

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Close Contact ◽

Soft Tissue Trauma ◽

Wire Saw ◽

Tissue Dissection ◽

The Wire ◽

Tissue Trauma

The AO wire passer can be used as an effective guide for passage of obstetrical saw wire for osteotomy. Use of the wire saw and passer reduces soft tissue trauma by minimizing tissue dissection, and promoting positioning of the saw in close contact with the bone.

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