The aim of this study was to evaluate configuration of the Ilizarov fixator for simultaneous lengthening of radius and ulna. Fifteen adult crossbreed dogs weighting from 17 to 27kg were used. A two-ring and four telescopic rod configuration was placed in radius and ulna. Subperiosteal osteotomies of the radius and the distal diaphysis of the ulna were performed and bone distraction started at day six after surgery. These dogs were divided in five groups containing three animals each, which were submitted to the following procedures: A- eight days of distraction, B- 15 days of distraction, C- 22 days of distraction, D- 28 days of distraction and eight days of neutral fixation, and E- 28 days of distraction, 60 days of neutral fixation, and 45 days without the apparatus. During the distraction period the animals developed a gradual and progressive muscle contracture by flexion of the antebrachiocarpal joint that persisted on group E after removal of the fixator. It was concluded that dogs undergoing forelimb lengthening had a tendency to develop contracture. Preventive procedures should be considered and physiotherapy should be performed.
Dog; bone lengthening; bone distraction; radius; ulna; Ilizarov
