Acrylic-pin external fixator and cancellous bone graft in the treatment of complications caused by inadequate immobilization of radius and ulna fracture in dogs Fixador esquelético pino-resina acrílica e enxerto ósseo esponjoso no tratamento de complicações secundárias à imobilização inadequada de fratura do rádio e ulna em cães

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acrylic-pin external fixator, type II-configuration, and cancellous bone autograft for treating complications of radius and ulna fractures in ten dogs weighing between 1.8 and 33.6kg. Nonunion (n=4), osteomyelitis (n=1), malunion (n=1), failure or breakage of implant (n=4) were detected, and 60 % of them were associated with previous intramedullary pin placement in the radius. The fixator frame was constructed using most of the smooth transfixation pins angled. The fixation rods were constructed by placing acrylic resin over the ends of the transfixation pins that were previously bent. In all cases fresh cancellous bone autograft was used after cleaning of the fracture site. The permanence time of the external fixator ranged from 45 days to 5 months, and the most important complication was pin loosening. Fracture healing was by minimal to moderate periosteal callus, suggesting good rigidity of the frame configuration.