Open reduction and internal fixation of 75 small animal fractures treated with the OrthoLinefracture system.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe specific methods of plate application and to report outcomes for patients treated with the OrthoLinesystem. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: A total of 65 dogs, and six cats. METHODS: Medical records of dogs and cats treated with the OrthoLinesystem were reviewed. Cases with <12&#x2009;weeks follow-up, significant comorbidities, a revision procedure, or those receiving the study implant in combination with another system were excluded. Construct application characteristics (plate span [%], plate span ratio, screw hole density, and plate working length [cm]) were calculated and compared between fracture locations. Patient outcomes included fracture healing, owner assessed outcome (telephone interview) and reported complications from owner interviews and medical records. RESULTS: A total of 75 fractures in 71 cases were treated with 77 plates. Clinical union was noted in 57/61 fractures (93.4%) at a range of 1.7-19.7&#x2009;weeks. Owner assessed outcome (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;51) was graded as full or acceptable for all cases. Major complications included implant failure (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;1), implant infection (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;2), and intraoperative malreduction with revision (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;1). Plate span of radial (46.6%) and ulnar (33.0%) constructs were both lower compared to femoral (73.3%) (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001) constructs, and ulnar constructs were also lower compared to tibial (61.7%) constructs (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.004). CONCLUSION: The OrthoLinesystem produced acceptable radiographic healing, complication rates, and owner assessed outcomes. Shorter plate spans in the radius and ulna were well tolerated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The OrthoLinesystem is a promising alternative for fracture repair in dogs and cats.