Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Outcomes of micro-plate surgery for metabone fractures in small dogs
By Marturello, D M & Perry, K LĀ·Published in The Journal of small animal practiceĀ·2024Ā·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United StatesĀ·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: Clinical experience and outcomes using a commercially available micro-plating system for metabone fractures in dogs and cats: 10 cases (2019-2023).
Plain-English summary
A group of four cats and six small dogs, all weighing less than 7 kg, were treated for broken bones in their feet using a special micro-plating system called VetKISS. After surgery, the pets were monitored, and all of them healed well, showing no signs of lameness or sensitivity to the plates. On average, it took about 51 days for the bones to fully heal. While there were a few minor complications, all pets made a complete recovery and returned to normal activity. This method appears to be a safe and effective option for treating these types of fractures in small pets.
People also search for: dog foot fracture treatment Ā· cat broken bone recovery Ā· VetKISS micro-plating system Ā· small dog bone surgery Ā· pet fracture healing time
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical experience and long-term outcome following metabone fracture stabilisation using a commercially available micro-plating system (VetKISS, 1.0-mm, IMEX Veterinary, USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive, client-owned cats and dogs weighing <7 kg, with traumatic metabone fractures stabilised using VetKISS micro-plates were prospectively enrolled with informed owner consent. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded. Either short-term or long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up was required for study inclusion. RESULTS: Four cats and six dogs were enrolled and operated by one of two board-certified surgeons. Bodyweight ranged from 1.9 to 6.6 kg. Number of metabones fractured: all four (60%), three (30%) and two (10%). Anatomical alignment was restored for each metabone. External coaptation was not used in any case. Radiographic follow-up documented clinical or bony union in all cases. Mean time to clinical union was 51 days. One major complication (screw removal) and two minor complications (partial construct failure) were observed. All patients made a complete functional recovery at the time of documented union. Long-term follow-up was available in five cases. No lameness (evaluated independently by both surgeons) or plate sensitivity was noted. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first clinical evaluation of the VetKISS for metabone fracture repair, and includes long-term follow-up. Results demonstrated complete functional recovery and 100% clinical union rates in all patients, with acceptable complication rates. This system can be considered for metabone repair in patients weighing <7 kg without the use of external coaptation.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39118343/