Use of a Double Hook Plate for Treatment of a Distal Radial Fracture in a Dog

Attempted stabilization of open, distal radius and ulnar fractures in a 3-year-old German shepherd dog using intramedullary pins and a Schroeder-Thomas splint resulted in malalignment of the limb and osteomyelitis. A double hook plate was used to rigidly stabilize the distal radial fracture after anatomical realignment. An autogenous cancellous bone graft was used where a lateral architectural defect remained after reduction. Culture of the fracture site showed Staphylococcus sp., which responded to chloramphenicol therapy. Fracture union and resolution of osteomyelitis occurred by 9 weeks after surgery, and the dog had no lameness and a normal muscle mass 22 weeks after surgery. The double hook plate provided rigid internal fixation of the radial fracture, allowed a rapid return to function during osteosynthesis, and minimal interference of antebrachiocarpal joint function occurred.