Radius and Ulna Fracture Repair in a Pomeranian
Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital · Right Forelimb · Primary Surgery
Case Summary
A 1-year-old male Pomeranian presented with acute non-weight-bearing lameness of the right forelimb following play activity. Radiographs confirmed a fracture of the radius and ulna.
Open reduction and internal fixation was performed using a 7-hole bone plate. Simini Protect Lavage was applied at the closure stage prior to final saline rinse and layered closure. The patient was discharged the following day. At both post-operative rechecks, the incision healed without clinical signs of surgical site infection.
Clinical Presentation
History and Physical Findings
The patient presented with sudden onset pain and complete non-weight-bearing lameness of the right forelimb after playing with a toy. The client reported no prior history of musculoskeletal pain or injury. Physical examination identified pain localised to the right forelimb above the carpus.
Radiographic evaluation of the right forelimb confirmed a diaphyseal fracture of the radius and ulna. No concurrent pathology was identified. Surgical stabilisation by open reduction and internal fixation was indicated.
Fig. 1 — Pre-operative radiograph, VD view. Right forelimb showing diaphyseal fracture of the radius and ulna. Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital, 08/23/2024.
Surgical Protocol
Anaesthesia, Approach and Fixation
Following presurgical assessment and IV catheter placement, the patient was sedated with Dexdomitor, Torbutrol, and Telazol IV. He was intubated and maintained under sevoflurane and oxygen. The right forelimb was clipped and aseptically prepared.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Medial-dorsal incision along the radius/ulna at the fracture site |
| 02 | Blunt dissection with tissue cleared from bone around the fracture |
| 03 | Fracture reduced and aligned. 7-hole bone plate sized and positioned |
| 04 | Plate secured with cortical screws |
| 05 | SiminiSimini Protect Lavage applied at closure stage: 20 ml with 30 to 60 second dwell time, followed by 20 ml saline rinse |
| 06 | Subcutaneous closure with 3-0 PDS. Skin closed with 6 staples |
| 07 | Post-operative radiographs taken. Anatomical reduction confirmed, implant position satisfactory |
| 08 | Padded bandage applied. Patient recovered without complication |
Fig. 2 — Pre-operative radiograph, lateral view. Confirming fracture alignment prior to surgical planning. Delaware Valley Veterinary Hospital, 08/23/2024.
Simini Protect Lavage was applied as a final adjunctive step prior to closure, consistent with the standardised orthopedic closure protocol. The dwell time was followed by a standard saline rinse before subcutaneous and skin closure. Simini reduces bacteria, biofilms, and resistant bacteria at the surgical site. No changes were required to the instrumentation, fixation approach, or systemic antibiotic protocol.
Following surgery, the patient received Convenia, Rimadyl, and Buprenex ER by injection. Discharged the following day with oral Rimadyl and activity restriction. Bandage change at day 3, staple removal at approximately day 10.
Post-Operative Findings
Clinical Results
The surgical site healed without clinical signs of infection across both follow-up appointments. Minor complications were related to patient compliance and were not associated with the wound or operative site.
Bandage Recheck
Client reported comfortable mobility. Incision appeared clean with minimal expected discharge. No erythema, swelling, or purulent material noted.
Staple Removal
Patient chewed bandage — moist dermatitis at elbow unrelated to surgical wound. Staples removed. Neopredef applied. E-collar reinforced.
Radiographic Recheck
Fracture healing assessment and implant position evaluation scheduled.
Fig. 3 — Post-operative radiograph, lateral view. 7-hole bone plate and cortical screws in situ confirming anatomical reduction and satisfactory implant position.
This case represents single-surgeon clinical experience. For controlled intraoperative activity data including CFU comparisons against saline and other antiseptics, see the clinical evidence summary and the Intraoperative Lavage White Paper.
Follow-Up Timeline
Post-Operative Course
Day of Surgery
ORIF performed. Simini Protect Lavage applied at closure stage (20 ml, 30 to 60 second dwell). Post-op radiographs confirmed anatomical reduction. Convenia, Rimadyl, and Buprenex ER administered. Discharged day 1.
Bandage Change
Mobile and comfortable per client report. Minimal discharge at bandage toe. Incision clean. No signs of infection. Bandage refreshed.
Staple Removal
Bandage chewed by patient. Moist dermatitis at elbow. Mild staple-line irritation. Surgical wound intact with no infection signs. Neopredef applied. Staples removed. E-collar enforced.
Radiographic Recheck (Scheduled)
Fracture healing assessment and implant position evaluation. Radiographs pending.