Concurrent use of a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous free tissue flap and external skeletal fixation for treatment of a distal antebrachial injury in a dog.

OBJECTIVE

To report the surgical management of a traumatic distal antebrachial wound using a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous free tissue flap and a type I external skeletal fixator (ESF).

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMALS

A 7-year-old spayed, female Labrador retriever.

RESULT

Wound coverage and pancarpal arthrodesis were accomplished during a single anesthetic episode using a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous free tissue flap and type I ESF. A second surgical procedure was performed to expedite healing of part of the original wound that was initially left to heal by second intention.

CONCLUSIONS

Free tissue transfer can be used in combination with an ESF for repair of distal antebrachial wounds, allowing orthopedic repair and soft tissue coverage in a single anesthetic episode.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Concurrent use of free tissue transfer and carpal arthrodesis with an ESF could be used for repair of complex antebrachial wounds without need for multiple procedures, extended hospitalization, and increased cost.