Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Locking compression plates fix wrist fractures in small breed dogs
By Gibert, S et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2015·Sophie Gibert, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Locking compression plate stabilization of 20 distal radial and ulnar fractures in toy and miniature breed dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 20 toy and miniature breed dogs, all weighing less than 6 kg, were treated for fractures in their lower leg bones (the radius and ulna) using a special type of plate called a Locking Compression Plate (LCP). After surgery, most dogs healed well within about 7 weeks, and their limb function was rated as excellent by their veterinarians or owners. There was one case of infection that was successfully treated with antibiotics and the removal of the implant, but no other major issues were reported. Overall, the treatment proved to be very effective for these small dogs.
People also search for: dog leg fracture treatment · toy breed dog surgery recovery · miniature dog bone healing time
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of the Locking Compression Plate® (LCP), in the form of either a straight or notched head T-plate, for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius and ulna in a series of 20 toy and miniature breed dogs. METHODS: The medical records of toy and miniature breed dogs (<6 kg), greater than six months of age, with fractures of the distal radius and ulna from two veterinary hospitals were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included: fractures of the distal 1/3 of the radius and ulna and repair with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing an LCP (straight or notched head T-plate). RESULTS: Twenty fractures (20 dogs) satisfied the inclusion criteria; eight straight and 12 notched head T-plates were used, either 2.0 mm (n = 13) or 2.4 mm (n = 7). Hybrid fixation was performed in all dogs in one or both fragments. Mean time to radiographic union was 6.9 ± 2.5 weeks (range: 4-12 weeks) in 18/20 dogs with radiographic follow-up. One complication was observed: infection that resolved with antibiotic medication and implant removal. No other major complications occurred by the time of last follow-up. In all cases (mean follow-up: 15 ± 7 months), the reported limb function as evaluated by the referring veterinarian or owner was excellent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The LCP, used as a hybrid construct for the treatment of distal radial and ulnar fractures was shown to yield excellent clinical results with both uncomplicated healing and excellent functional outcomes in this series of toy and miniature breed dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26423824/