Basic HTML Version
International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research
2013, Vol.3, No.5, 13-22
http://ijmvr.sophiapublisher.com
15
into the metaphyseal bone is called as Salter II. A
fracture that is partially through the hypertrophied
cartilage and extends through the germinal cell layer
into the physis is called as Salter III. A Salter IV
fracture is being in the metaphysis and extends
through the physis and epiphysis and into the joint. A
Salter V fracture is causing injury to the
chondroblastic cell layer. A Salter IV fracture is not
apparent on radiographic examination and often
occurs with other injuries and Salter fractures.
Consequently, Salter V fractures are not diagnosed at
the time of injury. Fracture that damages the germinal
cell layer has a higher incidence of premature growth
cessation (Salter and Harris, 1963). Consequently, a
Salter V crushing injury has a higher incidence of
premature closure. The prognosis for the normal
growth is also affected by the severity of fracture
displacement (Lombardo and Harvey, 1977). This
suggests that displacement causes damage to the
vascular supply of the germinal cell layer. If sufficient
vascular impedance occurs, cartilage production
ceases and premature physeal closure ensues. Growth
deformities of the canine antebrachium can result
from injury to any one of the three physes; distal ulnar,
distal radial or of proximal radius. Each of these
injuries has a specific set of resultant deformities are
which discussed individually.
Radiographicaly there is involvement of entire physis,
but the lateral side closes first which appear as a
narrowed lateral physis. There is widening of line as
approaches the medial aspect of the radius (Newton,
1985). Another radiographic sign may be distal
subluxation of the radial head (Passman and Wolff,
1975) because growth of the radius has slowed while
the ulna has continued to grow. The ulna continues to
grow because the radius holds the humerus by means
of the collateral ligaments. In severe cases the
condition progresses, the ulna may completely luxated
proximally. The continuous closure of the distal radial
physis from lateral to medial may lead to valgus
deformity of the forepaw, and the radial carpal joint
dorsal luxation (Newton, 1985).
Most of the Dogs with distal lateral radial physeal
closure are presented with forelimb lameness. Animal
show pain on manipulation of the elbow or at the site
of angular deformity. Physeal closure, radial
derotation, and radial head subluxation will be only
confirmed with Radiography (Lucia and Paul, 1989).
Premature closure of distal ulnar physis growth
deformities of the antebrachium are well documented
in the dog (Fox, 1984). The incidence of premature
closure is more in the distal ulnar growth plate of dog
and this might be due to its conical shape (Marreta and
Schrader, 1983). Among the breed susceptibility, large
breeds (eg. Great Dane, Wolfhound, Afghan, Alsatian,
Boxer, Old English Sheep dog) are particularly prone,
but it was also reported occasionally in small breeds
(eg.Shetland collie, Chihuahua, Pug, Fox Terrier).
Ramadan and Vaughan (1978) found that male dogs
are more prone than females. Trauma, failure of
chondrogenesis due to mechanical crush injuries to the
plate or its interrupted blood supply were the most
common causes of closure of distal ulnar physis
(Ramadan and Vaughan, 1978). Ramadan and
Vaughan, (1978) studied 58 cases of premature closure
of the distal ulnar physes in growing dogs. Fracture of
the radius (21 cases) at plate level was common in
puppies, heavyweight of large breeds and their
vigorous activity was also a cause. Such large breeds
were also prone to local injuries in the fore limbs
bcasue fore limbs under greatest strain during
landing from jumps. The common clinical signs
reported by Ramadan and Vaughan (1978) in 58cases
of premature closure of distal ulnar physis in dogs
were lameness, carrying of leg, curvature of the
forearm (latero-medially and antero-posteriorly),
carpus valgus (5~35º), plantigrade posture, limb
shortening in long-standing cases and muscle atrophy
in a few cases. The same authors also reported that
there was no pain on palpation in majority of the cases;
however, few were showing discomfort on flexion of
the carpus and manipulation of the elbow joint. The
radiographic findings in premature closure of ulnar
physis depend on the duration of the condition
(Vaughan, 1976). In early stages the first evidence of
plate closure was seen in the trough of the “V” shaped
distal ulnar plate. The shaft of the radius and ulna
were markedly separated; the diameter of the ulnar
diaphysis was greatly increased. Shortening of the
bone and greater distance between the distal radial and