Hinged Ilizarov external fixation for correction of antebrachial deformities.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate hinged circular external fixation for correction of antebrachial deformities in dogs.


METHODS
Uncontrolled clinical trial.


METHODS
Seven client-owned dogs.


METHODS
Six dogs had one radius corrected and one dog had both radii corrected. Preoperative planning included measurement of the craniocaudal and mediolateral angular deformities, rotational deformity, length deficit, origin of deformity, graphical or mathematical determination of the amplitude and direction of the actual limb deformity, and frame assembly.


RESULTS
Preoperatively, function and cosmesis were assessed to be fair to poor in all dogs. Deformity correction started 48 to 60 hours postoperatively and ranged from 0.46 mm to 1.36 mm twice daily. Hospitalization time ranged from 4 to 6 days. Corrections were mostly made by the owners, at home. Lengthening and angular correction ranged from 3 to 38 mm and 18 degrees to 48 degrees. Mean residual deformities were 2.7% of radial length and 2.7 degrees. The time duration with the circular external fixators in place ranged from 29 to 71 days. Two additional surgeries were necessary in one dog because of wire breakage. Mean follow-up was 40 months. Long-term function and cosmesis were good to excellent in all dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Although complications were present in six of seven dogs, the outcome of hinged Ilizarov external fixation was successful in all dogs treated for deformities of the antebrachium.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite complex preoperative planning, the placement of hinged circular external fixators is straightforward, and allows precise correction of complex antebrachial deformities with minimal tissue trauma.
Marcellin-Little
D J
DJ
Department of Companion Animal and Special Species Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
Ferretti
A
A
Roe
S C
SC
DeYoung
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000662:veterinary; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000662:veterinary; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D004285:Dogs / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005552:Forelimb / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000662:veterinary; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation / Q000662:veterinary; D014457:Ulna / Q000601:surgery