Initial Experience of Appendicular Fracture Fixation with Low Profile Titanium Alloy Locking Plates: A Retrospective Study of 30 Fractures.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study assessed the complications and mid-term outcomes of osteosynthesis using the String of Pearls Low Profile (SOP-LP) plate system in cats and small dogs with appendicular fractures. METHODS: Clinical data from April 2018 to June 2021, involving 30 fractures in 29 cases, were reviewed. Fractures were stabilized using either the 1.5-mm or 2.0-mm SOP-LP plate. Data included patient signalment, fracture description, repair method, intraoperative complications and short-term follow-up outcomes. Midterm follow-up was performed by telephone-based veterinary questionnaires. RESULTS: Of the 30 fractures, 3 had complications linked to the SOP-LP system. Overall, 7/30 had complications. Major complications ( = 6) included two implant failures, one implant-associated irritation and three Kirschner wire migrations. Implant failures ( = 2) were with the 1.5-mm plates stabilizing radius/ulna fractures in dogs weighing over 2.9 kg. Short-term radiographic follow-up demonstrated clinical or radiographic union in all cases. In all cases available ( = 18) for midterm follow-up, the function was found to be full or acceptable. CONCLUSION: The SOP-LP plate can be used successfully for a wide variety of fractures in cats and small dogs; however, careful case selection is required, particularly when using the 1.5-mm plate as a single implant in patients weighing over 3 kg.