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Von Pfeil et al: Outcomes of 11 dogs with short radius syndrome treated with acute arthroscopically assisted ulnar shortening
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • All dogs (11/11) showed improved radiohumeral articulation postoperatively, confirmed arthroscopically.
  • Median shortening: radioulnar (3.2 mm), humeroradial (1.8 mm), humeroulnar (1.2 mm).
  • Median lameness score improved from 2/4 to 1/4 by final follow-up.
  • Bone healing achieved in a median of 8 weeks (range: 4–14 weeks).
  • No major complications; minor issues included 1 screw loosening and 1 superficial infection.
  • Subjective function was graded full in 4 dogs, acceptable in 7.
  • Arthroscopy enabled accurate dynamic joint assessment, preferred over static radiographs.
  • Use of both orthopedic wire and plating provided secure fixation and improved outcomes.

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← Articles

Von Pfeil et al: Outcomes of 11 dogs with short radius syndrome treated with acute arthroscopically assisted ulnar shortening
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • All dogs (11/11) showed improved radiohumeral articulation postoperatively, confirmed arthroscopically.
  • Median shortening: radioulnar (3.2 mm), humeroradial (1.8 mm), humeroulnar (1.2 mm).
  • Median lameness score improved from 2/4 to 1/4 by final follow-up.
  • Bone healing achieved in a median of 8 weeks (range: 4–14 weeks).
  • No major complications; minor issues included 1 screw loosening and 1 superficial infection.
  • Subjective function was graded full in 4 dogs, acceptable in 7.
  • Arthroscopy enabled accurate dynamic joint assessment, preferred over static radiographs.
  • Use of both orthopedic wire and plating provided secure fixation and improved outcomes.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Von Pfeil 2024 et al., on acute ulnar shortening in dogs, what surgical fixation approach was used?

A. Dual locking plates
B. Kirschner wires only
C. Cerclage wire alone
D. Plating with orthopedic wire
E. External fixator

Answer: Plating with orthopedic wire

Explanation: A combination of plating and orthopedic wire was used in all cases.
In Von Pfeil 2024 et al., on acute ulnar shortening in dogs, which imaging modality was emphasized as superior for dynamic assessment of joint congruity?

A. CT scan
B. MRI
C. Stress radiographs
D. Fluoroscopy
E. Arthroscopy

Answer: Arthroscopy

Explanation: Arthroscopy allowed dynamic assessment, preferred over static imaging.
In Von Pfeil 2024 et al., on acute ulnar shortening in dogs, what was the median time to radiographic bone healing?

A. 4 weeks
B. 6 weeks
C. 8 weeks
D. 10 weeks
E. 12 weeks

Answer: 8 weeks

Explanation: Median bone healing time was 8 weeks, with a range of 4–14 weeks.
In Von Pfeil 2024 et al., on acute ulnar shortening in dogs, which postoperative complication was reported in the study?

A. Screw loosening in 3 dogs
B. Deep infection in 2 dogs
C. Screw loosening and superficial infection in 1 each
D. No complications observed
E. Implant breakage in 1 dog

Answer: Screw loosening and superficial infection in 1 each

Explanation: Only 2 minor complications were reported: one screw loosening and one superficial infection.
In Von Pfeil 2024 et al., on acute ulnar shortening in dogs, what was the most common clinical outcome?

A. Full function in all dogs
B. Acceptable function in all dogs
C. Acceptable or full function in all dogs
D. Unacceptable function in over 50%
E. Function unchanged in most dogs

Answer: Acceptable or full function in all dogs

Explanation: All dogs achieved acceptable (7) or full (4) functional grading post-op.

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Outcomes of 11 dogs with short radius syndrome treated with acute arthroscopically assisted ulnar shortening