Screw fixation of accessory carpal bone fractures in racing Greyhounds: 12 cases (1981-1986)

• Published in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 194; no. 11; p. 1618
• Main Authors: Johnson, K A, Dee, J F, Piermattei, D L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-06-1989
• Subjects: Animals; Bone Screws - veterinary; Carpal Bones - diagnostic imaging; Carpal Bones - injuries; Carpal Bones - surgery; Dogs - injuries; Dogs - surgery; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal - veterinary; Male; Radiography; Retrospective Studies
• ISSN: 0003-1488

Fractures of the accessory carpal bone in 12 racing Greyhounds were repaired by use of internal fixation with screws. All dogs had a sprain-avulsion fracture of the distal margin of the articular surface of the accessory carpal bone, where the accessorioulnar ligament inserts (type I). Two dogs had a second avulsion fracture at the proximal margin of the articular surface, where the palmar ulnocarpal ligament inserts (type II), and 2 dogs had a second fracture at the caudal end of the bone at the insertion of the accessoriometacarpal ligaments (type III). Fractures were exposed surgically, using a palmarolateral approach between the fourth and fifth accessoriometacarpal ligaments, and were repaired using 1.5-mm or 2-mm cortical screws. Eight dogs were evaluated radiographically to monitor fracture healing. Union of fractures, with bridging of the fracture gap, usually developed by 5 to 8 weeks after surgery. Follow-up evaluation after surgical repair was possible in 11 dogs; 10 (91%) returned to training or racing, and 5 (45%) of those won 1 or more races.