Studies on external skeletal fixation for radius fracture treatment in dogs

Abstract

A study was undertaken in eighteen clinical cases of dogs with radius fracture to evaluate the efficacy of different configurations of external skeletal fixators viz., Type 1b, Type 2 and Type 3. During the post-operative period Rectal temperature, Respiratory rate, Heart rate and Pulse rate were increased apparently during early days which was statistically non significant. The haematological parameters viz., hemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count were within the normal range and a non significant leukocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia up to 3rd post-operative day in all the groups of dogs was noticed. The biochemical parameters viz., Serum calcium, phosphorous and alanine aminotransferase values were within the normal physiological range in all the groups and a statistically non significant increase in values of serum alkaline phosphatase was observed in all the groups till day 30, after which the values receded back towards the end of the study period. Similarly, aspartate aminotransferase values increased non significantly up to 5th post-operative day and later receded to normal. The osteomedullographic study did not yield any information on radius fracture healing. All the dogs started bearing weight by second to fourth post-operative day. The pain score evaluation between groups was non significant. The fixator frame was stable and no implant failure was observed. In conclusion Type 1b, Type 2 and Type 3 fixator frames were easily applied for the treatment of radius fracture. Of which, Type 3 external skeletal fixator provided better stability when compared to Type 1b and Type 2 external skeletal fixator.