• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.359-362
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• 2015

A Korean water deer was rescued after being hit by a motor vehicle. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a grade III open fracture of the right metacarpus with severe soft tissue injury. The water deer underwent closed reduction of the fracture, which was stabilized by the application of the Ilizarov method of 4-ring circular external skeletal fixation (CESF) as a minimally invasive technique. The water deer was successfully released into the wild. CESF was advantageous for the stabilization of open comminuted fracture and the management of a severely contaminated wound in a Korean water deer. CESF can be used successfully in wild deer with good tolerance and minimal complications.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.523-526
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• 2014

Three dogs were admitted for repair of bone fracture. Case 1 (Maltese, 1.8 kg, intact female, 5-month-old) and case 2 (poodle, 3.0 kg, intact female, 6-month-old) had non-weight bearing lameness in the left pelvic limb, and case 3 (mixed, 3.3 kg, intact female, age unknown) had non-weight-bearing lameness in the left thoracic limb. On orthopedic examination, there was pain, crepitus, palpable instability and substantial soft tissue swelling on the affected side. No neurological deficits were identified. Radiographs revealed left proximal metaphyseal tibial and fibular fractures in cases 1 and 2, and left proximal metaphyseal radial and ulnar fractures in case 3. All cases had closed long-bone fractures with short juxta-articular fracture segments. Under fluoroscopic guidance, proper placement of the ring fixation elements was confirmed during surgery. Two or three rings were used to stabilize fractures with traditional circular external skeletal fixators (CESF). Postoperative radiographs showed acceptable alignment and apposition of the previously identified fracture. Time to radiographic union ranged from 5 to 14 weeks and there were no signs of implant failure or pin tract infection. Functional outcomes were excellent in all cases. CESF can be successfully used to reduce short juxta-articular fractures in which bone plates or external skeletal fixation cannot be applied.