CLOSED REPAIR OF TIBIAL AND RADIAL FRACTURES WITH EXTERNAL SKELETAL FIXATION

Radial and tibial fractures occur frequently in small animals. By usin g closed repair with external skeletal fixation in selected cases, sur gical infection and tissue trauma are avoided and vascularity of heali ng bones and soft tissue is preserved. Intraoperative skeletal tractio n helps reduce the fracture or fractures and aligns joints above and b elow the injured bone. Closed repair and traction provide biological r estoration of limb function. Functional limb alignment and reduced pat ient morbidity can often be obtained with closed repair and the use of a type II fixator. Key elements for successful results include presur gical support of the limb with a Robert-Jones bandage to reduce edema and limit displacement of fragments, performing surgery within 7 days of injury to avoid severe muscle contraction and displacement of bones , and sound knowledge of regional anatomy to avoid major neurovascular bundles and muscles and to gain maximum bone purchase. Complications of this procedure are related to inappropriate case selection or error s in surgical technique.