Infection rate treating radial and ulnar fractures using bone plate fixation without antibiotic prophylaxis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and complication rate of a 1.5- and 2.0-mm titanium locking plate for the treatment of radial and ulnar fractures in small dog breeds and cats without peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis in a prospective case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of closed radial and ulnar fractures treated using internal fixation with a 1.5- or 2.0-mm titanium locking plate without antibiotic prophylaxis were collected prospectively. Patients were clinically followed up until radiographical fracture healing was complete. RESULTS: Thirty-two fractures in small breed dogs and cats with an average bodyweight of 3.9 kg met the inclusion criteria. The follow-up time radiographically and clinically was 4-35 weeks. All fractures showed radiographical fracture union, and all patients had a good clinical outcome. The superficial infection rate in this case series was 0%; the deep infection rate involving the implant/bone was 3.1%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The novel 1.5- and 2.0-mm titanium locking plate system was successfully used to treat simple closed radial and ulnar fractures in small breed dogs and cats without peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis, resulting in good clinical outcome and a low infection rate.