Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Outcomes of 1.5-mm Plate Fixation for Dog Forearm Fractures
By Swepson, Ryan et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2025·Surgery Department, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of 1.5-mm Locking Plate Fixation for 30 Radial and Ulnar Fractures in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of small dogs with broken bones in their front legs underwent surgery using special locking plates to fix the fractures. Most of the dogs healed well, with 29 out of 30 fractures showing signs of healing within about 8 weeks. At follow-up, 21 of the 24 dogs were back to full function, while 3 had some limitations but were still doing okay. There were a few complications, like infections and bandage sores, but overall, the treatment was successful and helped the dogs recover well.
People also search for: dog broken leg treatment · small dog fracture surgery · locking plate for dog fractures
Abstract
This study aimed to report clinical and radiographic outcomes of dogs that underwent radial and ulnar fracture repair using 1.5-mm locking plate systems.Dogs that had radial and ulnar fractures repaired using 1.5-mm locking compression plate systems at four referral hospitals were retrospectively included. Signalment, body weight, fracture aetiology, fracture location and configuration, radius diameter, plate-bone ratio, repair method, clinical and radiographic outcomes, complications, and time to last follow-up were recorded.Thirty fractures in 28 dogs were included. Median body weight was 2.4 kg (range 1.3-5.5 kg). The mean length of the proximal segment relative to the total length of the radius was 67% (range 33-93%). The mean diameter of the radius at its isthmus was 4.9 mm (range 3.1-6.1 mm). The mean plate-bone ratio was 64% (range 48-89%). Radiographic union was documented in 29/30 fractures at a median of 8 weeks postoperatively. Of the cases with long-term follow-up available, 21/24 had a full function and 3/24 had an acceptable function. Five complications occurred, including infection ( = 2), screw migration ( = 1), bandage sores ( = 1), and peri-plate fracture ( = 1).In this population of miniature and toy-breed dogs, 1.5-mm locking plates provided effective fixation for radial and ulnar fractures. Despite complications in 5/30 fractures, radial union occurred in 29/30, and no dog had an unacceptable function at the last follow-up.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39889747/