Use of a titanium plate for novel fixation of a distal radius fracture in an Italian Greyhound

Summary

A three-year-old Italian Greyhound was admitted for an acute none-weight-bearing lameness of the left forelimb, due to a closed transverse fracture of the distal radius and ulna. Open reduction with internal fixation of the radius fracture was performed and the fracture was stabilized using a 2.0-mm 5-hole titanium Y-plate. External coaptation with a caudal splint was added for additional support. The fracture healed with clinical and radiographic union noted eight weeks postoperatively. Neither implant failure nor stress-protection osteopaenia occured during the 13-month follow-up period. The dog returned to full function without complications. Using this method, five additional dogs were also treated successfully.

Keywords

Distal radius fractures - dogs - titanium plate fixation - stress protection osteopaenia

• References

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