USING THE UNGER SYSTEM TO CLASSIFY 386 LONG-BONE FRACTURES IN DOGS

A system already described by Unger and others was used to classify lo ng bone fractures in dogs. The present paper reports experiences using the fracture classification system regarding its ease of use and the ability to analyse the data generated. Three hundred and eighty-six ca nine long bone fractures were classified from radiographs. Results wer e assessed by reviewing the medical records or by sending questionnair es to referring veterinarians. There were a few inconsistencies, parti cularly in classifying proximal ulnar fractures, but the system was ea sy to use and data retrieval was readily accomplished. Data from the s ystem were used to compare the results of repairs of diaphyseal fractu res of the radius/ulna, femur and tibia/fibula. A chi square analysis was used to determine significant differences between the outcome scor es of the three fracture types. Fractures of the femoral diaphysis had a statistically poorer outcome than did diaphyseal fractures of the r adius/ulna or tibia/fibula.