Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Supercutaneous plating to fix broken leg bones in dogs
By Nicetto, Tommaso & Longo, Federico·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2019·Diagnostica Piccoli Animali - Clinica Veterinaria Pedrani, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Supercutaneous Plating for the Treatment of Traumatic Injuries of the Appendicular Skeleton in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of young dogs with broken leg bones were treated using a new method called supercutaneous plating, which involves placing plates under the skin to help the bones heal. The dogs, averaging just over 2 years old, had fractures in their radii and tibiae. After the treatment, all five dogs healed well, and there were no signs of pain or discomfort during recovery. Although there were a few minor complications, the plates were removed easily without needing anesthesia. This technique shows promise as a less invasive option for treating bone fractures in dogs.
People also search for: dog broken leg treatment · supercutaneous plating for dogs · dog leg fracture recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:  The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes of traumatic appendicular bone injuries treated with supercutaneous plating. METHODS:  We conducted a retrospective case series of medical records following fracture fixation using locking implants with a supercutaneous plating technique. Inclusion criteria comprised a complete clinical and radiographical follow-up until implant removal. Patient history and signalment as well as fracture configuration were recorded. RESULTS:  Five appendicular long bone fractures (3 radii, 2 tibiae) were included in the study and they were all treated using conical coupling locking plates. The patient mean age was 2.3 years (range: 0.3-5.8 years) and the mean body weight 16.5 kg (range: 3-27 kg).One major (implant failure) and minor complications (delayed bone union and iatrogenic recurvatum deformity) were detected. The removal of the plates was quick and did not require general anaesthesia. All five fractures treated healed and patients were sound at final follow-up. Neither discomfort nor pain were noticed during the postoperative patient management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:  The advantages related to the minimally invasive approach and implant removal could make the supercutaneous plating (SCP) an alternative to the traditional external skeletal fixation.Further clinical investigations are required before definitive treatment recommendations using this technique can be made. In consideration of some of the complications detected, the use of fluoroscopy is recommended to support the surgeon at the beginning of their SCP learning curve.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30736091/