[Surgical treatment of distal combined fractures of the radius and ulna in Toy breeds using a type 2 external fixator and an intramedullary pin - a retrospective study].

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the surgical treatment of combined radius and ulna fractures in Toy breeds using an external fixator and an intramedullary pin as well as to describe the advantages and disadvantages of this method.This retrospective study only included dogs of different Toy breeds that presented to the Grußendorf Animal Health Center between 2012 and 2023 with a distal diaphyseal radius and ulnar fracture. In all animals, the fracture was set using surgical repositioning as well as an intramedullary radial pin and subsequently fixated with a type 2 external fixator. Follow-up care included short-term hospitalization as well as a follow-up examination of the surgical site 10 days 10 days post-operatively and re-evaluation radiographs 6 weeks after surgery. Following implant removal, a supportive bandage treatment was carried out for 2 week. Complications were classified as either minor or serious, with serious complications characterized by the need for either medical or surgical additional treatment.A total of 54 patients met the study's inclusion criteria. On average, patients were hospitalized postoperatively during a period of 3 days, and the external fixator was removed after 9.2 weeks. Complications occurred in 17 patients (31.5%). There were 14 minor and 3 serious complications. In all cases, the described fracture treatment led to complete recovery (restitutio ad integrum).In the presented patient population, the combination of a Type 2 external fixator and intramedullary pinning of the radius in the treatment of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy and miniature dog breeds was shown to be reliable. This method may be performed with minimal material requirements.