Clinical outcomes of orthogonal plating to treat radial and ulnar fractures in toy-breed dogs.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe the results of orthogonal plating (OP) as a treatment for fractures of the radius and ulna in toy-breed dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records (June 2011 to April 2019) of toy-breeds in which the OP technique using non-locking cuttable plates was employed to treat radial and ulnar fractures were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included a bodyweight of 3.5 kg or less, fracture of the diaphysis of the radius and ulna of one or both forelimbs, and the availability of follow-up radiographs. Revision surgeries were also included. RESULTS: Fifteen limbs that underwent initial fracture repair and five that underwent revision surgery met the inclusion criteria. The radial and ulnar fractures healed in 19 limbs at the final follow-up. Synostosis of the radius and ulna at the fracture sites was observed in one limb. Re-fracture after cranial plate removal was observed in one case. All dogs exhibited successful return of normal limb function at the final clinical and radiographic follow-up (mean, 104.7 ± 67.1 days; median, 79.5 days; range 35 to 248 days). Long-term follow-up data obtained via telephone interviews to owners or referring veterinarians were available for 15 cases and confirmed maintenance of normal limb function in all dogs (mean, 32.5 ± 17.6 months; median, 26 months; range 11 to 69 months). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: OP allowed the successful open reduction of radial and ulnar fractures, facilitating bone union in both the radius and ulna and a return to normal limb function in a series of toy-breed dogs.