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Radial Forearm Fracture Repair
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The surgery described on this page is a fracture of the humerus through the elbow joint.
- 1 and 2: Slide 1
The first two photographs to the right are radiographs (x-rays) of a fractured forearm of a large dog. The radius and ulna are both broken, which is typical.
These bones tend to be wider than they are thick. They also tend to fracture in a more transverse way - making plating an ideal repair in many cases.
- 3: Slide 2
As seen here, when these two bones are fractured, the forearm is generally distorted from the misalignment. This photo was taken when the dog was anesthetized for surgery. The leg is clipped of hair, and surgically scrubbed to prepare for surgery.
- 4 and 5: Slide 3
Once transported to surgery, the leg is draped, and the incision is made. The fractured ends of the bone are exposed to allow for visual reduction and to prepare for the placement of the plate.
- 6: Slide 4
One half of the plate is aligned and a drill is used to make a hole in the bone where the screw will be placed.
- 7 and 8: Slide 5
Here we see the hole being drilled and then tapped. Tapping is the process of creating the threads for the screw.
- 9: Slide 6
The plate is put in place and the hole and plate are measured to attain the correct screw length.
- 10 and 11: Slide 7
The screw is then placed to hold the first half of the plate. The plate is checked for alignment before the screw is completely tightened.
- 12: Slide 8
The other half of the fracture is then reduced (aligned) and the plate is held in place.
- 13 and 14: Slide 9
Then the process of drilling, tapping, measuring, and placing the screw is repeated. This holds this in place.
- 15: Slide 10
Here you can see that the fracture is reduced (aligned). The plate will keep the bone aligned and still while it heals.
- 16 and 17: Slide 11
The rest of the plate holes are filled with screws in the same manner. There are generally at least 5 holes and many times there are more. The number of holes depends on the type of fracture and the size of the bone.
- 18: Slide 12
Before closing the incision, bupivicaine is used to help numb the area. This helps with pain control.
- 19 and 20: Slide 13
The incision is closed in layers. First the muscles, the subcutis, then the skin is closed.
- 21 and 22: Slide 14
Additional pain medication is administered.
- 23 and 24: Slide 15
These are radiographs (x-rays) showing the plate in position. Note the fracture is aligned.
The ulna is also re-aligned, but usually doesn’t require any type of fixation. Repairing the radius will hold the bones firmly while they heal.
The plate will remain in the leg for a minimum of months, and sometimes is never removed.
Removal is based on each patient and its' healing process.
If you have any questions regarding Forearm Fracture Repair, Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer all of your questions in person, or call 309-685-4707 We want to ensure that your pet has the best of health.
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