Correction of the antebrachial deformity using circular external skeletal fixator in 7 dogs

This study was carried out on 7 dogs with antebrachial deformity caused by malunion on radius-ulna fracture, treated with the Ilizarov method. The 1st, 3rd and 5th case were progressive correction group, in which the fixation consisted of a two-ring frame hinged with a ring in 100 mm diameter. The 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th case were acute correction group, applied on a plain three-ring, non-hinged apparatus with the ring diameter of 80 mm. In the progressive correction group, the hinged fixator was placed in such a position that two rings would be localized on the proximal fragment and third on the distal fragment, whilst the site of osteotomy would be between the 2nd and 3rd rings after a bone segment removed. In the acute correction group, two rings were located on the proximal fragment with the third on the distal fragment, and the osteotomy was in the same position. The cases started using their extremities in postoperative days 1-8 (mean 2.5 days), and the initial weight bearing was observed on the postoperative days 18-28 (mean 18.5 days). The radiographic examinations revealed that antebrachial deformity and shortness of the extremity was corrected, and the consolidation was completed in postoperative days 35-50 (mean 40.7 days). In conclusion, using the Ilizarov apparatus for the acute correction of antebrachial deformities can provide faster, better and more practical treatment than more progressive correction with the hinged-apparatus. Provided that enough attention is paid during this acute treatment, flexion contracture can be avoided.