The aim of this study was to compare the results of surgical and preventive treatments of the deformity in flexion of the antebrachiocarpal joint, due to simultaneous lengthening of radius and ulna by Ilizarov's method. Twelve adult crossbred dogs weighing from 19 to 28kg were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of three animals each. A two-ring and four telescopic rod configuration was used in all groups. However, in group C a half-ring was placed at the metacarpus to immobilize the antebrachiocarpal joint. Dogs from groups A, B and C were submitted to 28 days of distraction, 60 days of neutral fixation, and 45 days without the apparatus. Dogs from group D or sham group were submitted to fixation and osteotomy with no lengthening. Although passive exercises alternated with tape placed from the toes to the cranial part of the ring were used, the dogs from groups A and B developed a gradual and progressive muscle contracture in flexion of the antebrachiocarpal joint during the distraction period, which persisted after fixator removal. At the end of the period without the apparatus, tendineous lengthening and capsulotomy were performed in the dogs from group B. They were observed for additional 45 days. The surgical treatment allowed the contracture correction but it was technically difficult to be performed. The half-ring used in dogs from group C avoided the contracture caused by the flexion of the antebrachiocarpal joint, but there was a tendency for flexion of the digits during distraction. The dogs from group D did not develop contracture. It was concluded that preventive procedures such as the use of half-ring in metacarpals are important to avoid development of contracture during antebrachium lengthening in dogs.
Dog; bone; lengthening; contracture; antebrachium; Ilizarov
