• Radius and ulna fractures in small breed dogs

We typically treat these fractures with rigid internal fixation with plates and screws. The size of the bones can make it a challenge to have robust fixation which will stand up to early activity.  We often use splints in the early postoperative period to support the plate fixation, but splint support does reduce the carpus (wrist) flexion, at least in the short term.

We typically monitor the healing of the fracture(s) in the weeks following surgery using our hand-held Nomad X-ray generator, which has the advantage that no anaesthetic is required, and the X-rays can be taken in a few minutes while the owners wait. We make no extra charges for follow-up radiography under our fixed-price scheme.

Plates and screws usually stay in situ long term. Sometimes implants need removing in the future after healing has occurred for various reasons, including implant loosening, implant-related irritation, irritation of the overlying tendons by the metalwork, or aches related to the metallic implants that often manifest in cold weather.

15th December 2013