Appendicular fracture repair in dogs using the locking compression plate system: 47 cases.

The locking compression plate (LCP) has combination screw holes, making it possible to use the implant in three different ways; as a pure internal fixator using locking head screws, as a conventional compression plate using compression screws, or as a hybrid of the two. The experience with the LCP system in veterinary fracture repair is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of appendicular fractures in dogs, which were repaired with the LCP system combined with less invasive surgical techniques. Medical records and radiographs from 47 dogs were studied retrospectively. Thirty-four percent of the fractures were simple, six percent wedge and 60% comminuted fractures of the humerus (11 %), radius and ulna (30 %), femur (34 %) and of the tibia and fibula (25 %). The fractures were treated using the LCP as an internal fixator; in some cases as a plate and rod construct. Forty-six of 47 fractures reached radiographic union. Mean healing time of the fractures was seven weeks (95% confidence interval from 5.8 to 8.3 weeks). There were statistically significant differences in healing time between juvenile (age under one year) and adults. Complications in the form of implant failures and infections were encountered in approximately 11% of the cases. All implant failures were due to surgical errors. The LCP system in combination with a less invasive surgical approach was found advantageous in comminuted fractures where the LCP was used as a bridging plate, in situations when exact plate contouring was difficult, and when other implants prevented the use of bi-cortical screws.

Luxation of the long digital extensor tendon as a complication to Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy. A presentation of four cases.

Cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is frequently treated with Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO). Herein we describe four cases of dogs presenting with sudden lameness in the operated leg one to 12 months post TPLO surgery. On examination, all of the dogs had a luxation of the long digital extensor tendon (LDE) resulting from the TPLO surgery. All of the dogs underwent revision surgeries. The LDE tendon was either secured in its normal position or transected, and a tenodesis was performed. The dogs recovered well after surgery and lameness was resolved in all four cases.