Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fixing leg and arm fractures in small dogs and cats with low profile
By Treharne, David Rhys & Rutherford, Scott·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2026·Frank Pet Surgeons, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Initial Experience of Appendicular Fracture Fixation with Low Profile Titanium Alloy Locking Plates: A Retrospective Study of 30 Fractures.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A small dog or cat with a broken leg was treated using a special titanium plate system to stabilize the fracture. Out of 30 fractures treated, a few had complications, including some issues with the plates and wires used for repair. However, most pets showed good healing and were able to regain full or acceptable function after treatment. The titanium plate system appears to work well for these types of fractures, but it's important for vets to choose the right cases, especially for heavier pets.
People also search for: dog leg fracture treatment · cat broken leg recovery · titanium plate surgery for pets
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40902635/