Medial Bone Plating for Management of Type V Central Tarsal Bone Fractures in Six Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the surgical technique and outcomes of dogs with type V central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures stabilized with a bone plate applied to the medial aspect of the tarsus and metatarsus. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective review of dogs with type V CTB fractures diagnosed with computed tomography and stabilized using a medial bone plate. Follow-up included clinical examination and radiography 8 to 10 weeks postoperatively and/or a long-term owner questionnaire. RESULTS: Six dogs were identified. All fractures occurred during exercise without external trauma and all dogs had additional tarsal fractures. Five dogs returned for clinical follow-up; all had no or mild lameness and evidence of fracture healing on radiography. A suspected surgical site infection occurred in one dog and resolved with medical management. Suspected contact between the plate and medial malleolus in one dog, and loosening of a talar screw in another, were identified, though not treated. Five owners completed the questionnaire, a median of 88 months postoperatively. No further complications were reported, limb function was reportedly acceptable, and all owners were very satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSION: Medial bone plate stabilization of highly comminuted CTB fractures resulted in evidence of fracture healing, and a low incidence of complications in six non-racing dogs.

Accuracy of three-dimensional printed patient-specific drill guides for treatment of canine humeral intracondylar fissure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of three-dimensional printed patient-specific drill guides (3D-PDG) as treatment of humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with HIF treated with a 5-mm transcondylar screw (TCS) placed from medial to lateral with a 3D-PDG. METHODS: The proposed TCS entry point and trajectory were planned using computed tomography (CT) data and computer-aided design software (CAD), and a 3D-PDG was produced. During surgery the 3D-PDG was used to drill the pilot hole from medial to lateral; the guide was then removed, the pilot hole was overdrilled, and a 5-mm TCS was placed. Postoperative CT data were imported into CAD software, and the entry points, exit points, and trajectories were compared between the planned and actual screw locations. RESULTS: Sixteen elbows from 11 dogs were included. Mean (SD) entry point translation was 1.3 mm (0.64), with all screws entering cranial to the proposed location. Mean maximum screw angulation was 5.2° (2.10°), with most screws directed caudodistal to the desired trajectory. Mean (SD) exit point translation was 1.8 mm (0.89) from the planned location. There was no intra-articular screw placement. CONCLUSION: Use of a 3D-PDG permitted accurate placement of a mediolateral 5-mm locking TCS within the humeral condyle. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Three-dimensional printed patient-specific drill guides should be considered as accurate and consistent for placing TCS for treatment of HIF in dogs.