Radius-ulna fracture and post-traumatic radius-ulna synostosis in dogs

Objectives: The aim of this study was the determination of complications of posttraumatic radius-ulna synostosis associated with antebrachium fractures in dogs. The characteristics, common complications, and the outcome of canine radius and ulna fractures were described in order to indicate the influence of synostosis in the canine patient population. Incidence, location, risk factors, the center of rotation of angulation (CORA), and outcome of treatment of post-traumatic radius-ulna synostosis in dogs were determined. To demonstrate the function of affected canine forelimbs (pronation and supination) due to synostosis, an experimental study in cadaveric dogs was included. Study designs: Four separate studies are subject of this dissertation: Study I: Retrospective study: characteristics, complications, and outcome of canine radius-ulna fractures in 188 cases (1999 to 2009) Study II: Retrospective study: incidence and correlation factors of post-traumatic radius and ulna synostosis in dogs: 24 cases (1999-2009) Study III: Experimental study: synostosis between radius and ulna and the function of pronation and supination in cadaveric dogs Study IV: Case report: outcome of radius ulna synostosis treatment in four dogs including a two year follow- up period Data and Patients: The medical records of 221 cases in 213 dogs with received operations at radius ulna region submitted during 1999 to 2009 at the Small Animal Clinic, Freie Universitӓt Berlin, Berlin, Germany were reviewed. Furthermore, follow-up during 2009 to 2012 was performed in four synostosis patients. Seven cadaveric dogs were used in the experimental study. Methods: Medical data and radiographs of canine radius and ulna fractures which were caused by traumatic fractures and as well as operative fractures (osteotomy) to correct antebrachial growth deformities were analysed. Post-traumatic synostosis was identified from the radiographs. Over a two years period, follow-up in four synostosis patients was performed. Comparison of pronation and supination of forelimbs before and after surgery to simulate radius and ulna synostosis in cadaveric dogs was investigated. Descriptive statistics, t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficiency were applied in this dissertation.