Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to introduce a modified-Unger fracture
classification in impala and report the findings of 58 long bone fractures classified
according to this system.
METHODS: This was a retrospective radiographical study evaluating 122 radiographs of
58 long bone fractures in 55 impala. The Unger fracture classification wasmodified and
fracture illustrations for the metacarpal andmetatarsal bones added. Each fracture was
classified and assigned a four symbol α-numeric code using our classification. The
patient signalment, skeletal maturity, fracture-associated soft tissue changes, presence
of fissure lines, periosteal reaction and cause of the fracture were recorded.
RESULTS: The overall fracture distribution based on location, found tibial (n ¼ 17)
fractures to be the most common fractured long bone. When combined, the majority
of fractures involved the metacarpal and metatarsal bones (n ¼ 23). Forty five of 58
fractures occurred in the diaphyseal bone segment. In all long bones, the distribution
based on complexity was simple (n ¼ 27), wedge (n ¼ 16) and multi-fragmentary
(n ¼ 15) fractures. Thirty one of 58 fractures were open and fissure lines were detected
in 20 of 58 fractures.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our modified-Unger fracture classification was applicable in
classifying 58 impala longbonefractures. This classification should provide the basis for
further advances in veterinary and comparative ungulates, and particularly the
antelopes, orthopaedics and traumatology.
