HINGED ILIZAROV EXTERNAL FIXATION FOR CORRECTION OF ANTEBRACHIAL DEFORMITIES

Objective-To evaluate hinged circular external fixation for correction of antebrachial deformities ties in dogs. Study Design-Uncontrolled c linical trial. Animal Population-Seven client-owned dogs. Methods-Six dogs had one radius corrected and one dog had both radii corrected. Pr eoperative planning included measurement of the craniocaudal and medio lateral angular deformities, rotational deformity, length deficit, ori gin of deformity, graphical or mathematical determination of the ampli tude and direction of the actual limb deformity, and frame assembly. R esults-Preoperatively, function and cosmesis were assessed to be fair to poor in all dogs. Deformity correction started 48 to 60 hours posto peratively and ranged from 0.46 mm to 1.36 mm twice daily. Hospitaliza tion 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 circula r external fixators in place ranged from 29 to 71 days. Two additional surgeries were necessary in one dog because of wire breakage. Mean fo llow-up was 40 months. Long-term function and cosmesis were good to ex cellent in all dogs. Conclusion-Although complications were present in six of seven dogs, the outcome of hinged Ilizarov external fixation w as successful in all dogs treated for deformities of the antebrachium. Clinical Relevance-Despite complex preoperative planning, the placeme nt of hinged circular external fixators is straightforward, and allows precise correction of complex antebrachial deformities with minimal t issue trauma. (C) Copyright 1998 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.