Summary
Modified 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.
Keywords
Radius-ulna fracture - external skeletal fixation