Improving surgical reduction in radial fractures using a 'dowel' pinning technique in miniature and toy breed dogs.

OBJECTIVES A retrospective approach was used to detail and evaluate a 'dowel' pinning technique in distal radial fractures in miniature and toy breed dogs. METHODS Medical records and radiographs from 2003-2009 of miniature and toy breed dog radial fractures were examined. Sixty cases were divided into two groups: 51 radial fractures repaired with a 'dowel' pinning and external skeletal fixation (ESF) and nine radial fractures repaired with closed reduction and ESF. Each dog was evaluated and radiographic images were obtained at presentation, postoperatively, and at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Signalment, reduction, alignment, time to clinical bone healing and ESF removal, and implant morbidity were determined for each group. RESULTS Radial fractures repaired with a 'dowel' pin and ESF had improved reduction compared to closed reduction and ESF alone (p<0.0001 as evaluated with lateral radiographs and p<0.0004 with cranial/caudal radiographs). Both surgical groups resulted in good clinical outcome with low morbidity, however it was observed that the time to clinical union and ESF removal was an average of 2.5 weeks less with closed reduction technique compared to the open reduction and 'dowel' pinning technique (p<0.031). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Incorporating a 'dowel' pin to the surgical repair enhances the reduction of distal radial fractures in miniature and toy breed dogs and results in excellent clinical outcomes but causes a small delay in bone healing.