Use of a novel three-dimensional anatomical plating system for treatment of caudal mandibular fractures in cats: 13 cases (2019-2023).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: A total of 13 cases of cats with a caudal mandibular fracture treated with a novel surgical technique using the Ramus Anatomical Plate system were reviewed. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and a minimum of 8 weeks postoperative CT images were required as inclusion criteria. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical data and radiographic follow-up examinations. All cases achieved adequate anatomical reduction, resulting in a functional and atraumatic occlusion postoperatively. No intraoperative complications were reported. Time to voluntary food intake was in the range of 1-25 days. No evidence of disruptions to the implants or screw loosening was observed in the 8-week postoperative CT imaging, with radiographic evidence of complete osseous union in all fractures. The most common postoperative complication was swelling at the surgical site. Two cats had postoperative exophthalmos due to retrobulbar haemorrhage, and one cat exhibited partial wound dehiscence 5 days postoperatively, which resolved with medical management. Longer-term complications included intraoral plate exposure in one cat, which required plate removal 10 months postoperatively. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: In this case series, rigid internal fixation of caudal mandibular fractures using the Ramus Anatomical Plate osteosynthesis system was associated with a minimal complication rate, and satisfactory radiographic and clinical outcomes. The reported outcomes of this novel technique are favourable when compared with previous techniques described for the management of these fracture types.

Finite element study on post-screw removal stress in toy poodle radius with different plate designs and screw arrangements.

Background: The study employs finite element analysis to investigate stress distribution in the radius of toy poodles after screw removal. The examination focuses on the biomechanical implications of varied screw hole configurations using 1.5 and 2.0-mm locking compression plates (LCPs) with notched head T-Plates. Aim: To provide a noninvasive approach to analyzing the immediate consequences of screw removal from the radius bone in toy poodles. Specifically, it explores the impact of varied plate designs and screw arrangements on stress distribution within the forelimb bones. Methods: The study constructs a three-dimensional bone model of the toy poodle's forelimb based on computed tomography (CT) images. Simulations were designed to replicate jumping and landing from a 40 cm height, comparing stress distribution in the radius post-screw removal. Results: The analysis reveals significant variations in stress distribution patterns between the two LCPs. The radius implanted with the 2.0-mm LCP displays a uniform stress distribution, contrasting with the 1.5-mm plates. Localized stress concentration is observed around the screw holes, while trabecular bone regions near the screw holes exhibit lower stress levels. Conclusion: The study highlights the plate designs and screw configurations that affect bone stress in toy poodle forelimbs post-screw removal. The findings provide valuable insights for veterinarians, aiding informed decisions in veterinary orthopedic practices.

Sacral fracture stabilisation using dorsal transiliac locking plates: 12 cases (2017-2023).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical presentations, outcomes and complications associated with the use of dorsal transiliac locking plates to stabilise sacral fractures in dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-centre retrospective analysis of all patients that presented with sacral fractures between February 2017 and February 2023 that were managed surgically using paired dorsal transiliac locking plates. Twelve animals met the criteria for inclusion in a retrospective clinical case series. An owner questionnaire was employed to assess long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven dogs and one cat with a mean age of 3.1 years (range 0.6 to 8.8) were included. Eleven patients presented following a motor vehicle accident and most were either non-ambulatory (n=8) or displayed severe unilateral hindlimb lameness (n=4). Nine sacral fractures were considered Anderson type II and three Anderson type V. The plate fixation was augmented with additional surgical stabilisation in 11 cases. Eleven patients were ambulatory at discharge and all cases healed uneventfully without major surgical or postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up (>60 days) was available in 10 animals at a mean of 694 days (range 65 to 1805) and owner-assessed outcomes via questionnaire were reported as good to excellent in all cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The application of transiliac locking plates provided sufficient stability to facilitate sacral fracture healing with minimal clinical complications. This method represents a robust and safe option to stabilise sacral fractures in dogs and cats, offering an alternative to iliosacral lag screw fixation.

The influence of a tension band fixation as an adjunct for arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint in the horse.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of a stainless-steel cable (SSC) tension band fixation as an adjunct to a locking compression plate (LCP) for arthrodesis of the equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. An ex vivo biomechanical paired equine cadaver limb study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Five MCP joint pairs were collected from adult Thoroughbred horses, euthanized for reasons unrelated to orthopedic disease. METHODS: Each pair of MCP joints were randomly implanted with either a dorsally placed 5.5 mm LCP and a palmarly placed 2.0 mm SSC or a dorsally placed 5.5 mm LCP alone. Each construct was tested in cyclic loading followed by single cycle to failure in axial compression. Displacement at a target load of 1 kN over 3600 cycles at 1 Hz was recorded prior to single cycle to failure testing. RESULTS: In cyclic testing, displacement was not significantly different between the first and last 5% of testing cycles regardless of construct. Maximum displacement of each construct during cyclic testing was <1.1 mm. In single cycle testing, the observed yield point did not reveal any difference between LCP and LCP-SSC (p = .440). The maximum load at failure was significantly higher in LCP-SSC compared to constructs with the LCP alone (p = .046). CONCLUSION: The addition of the SSC to the LCP did not statistically affect construct displacement during cyclic loading or construct yield load during subsequent single cycle to failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provided much needed information regarding the necessity of a tension band SSC application in the arthrodesis of the MCP/MTP joint in horses.

Use of Locking Plates Fixed with Cortical Screws for Pelvic Fracture Repair in 20 Cats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the use of String of Pearls (SOP) plates for the surgical management of feline pelvic fractures, including surgical technique, proposed indications, complications, and outcomes in a cohort of cats. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a single-center retrospective clinical case series. METHODS: Medical records (2015-2019) of cats presenting for pelvic fractures (n = 33) were reviewed. Type of fracture, preoperative and postoperative imaging, and complications were retrospectively retrieved. Owners were contacted via questionnaire for medium- and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 20 cats met the inclusion criteria. Minor intraoperative complications were encountered in three patients. One patient suffered a major intraoperative complication. Five major complications were encountered postoperatively. These included two greater trochanter osteotomy fixation implant removal and three SOP plate removal. Full function was recovered in all patients according to the owners' assessment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of SOP plates in feline pelvic fractures appears to yield a consistently good outcome with a very low incidence of canal narrowing and screw loosening. SOP plates are easy to contour and to apply along the entire pelvic length.

Effect of Plate-Bone Distance and Working Length on 2.0-mm Locking Construct Stiffness and Plate Strain in a Diaphyseal Fracture Gap Model: A Biomechanical Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of plate-bone distance (PBD) and working length on 2.0-mm locking compression plate (LCP) stiffness and strain in four-point bending and torsion in a diaphyseal fracture gap model. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 54 LCP with three screws per fragment were assigned to one of nine combinations of working length (WL; short, medium, and long), and PBD (1, 1.5, and 3 mm) for a sample size of six per construct configuration. Stiffness was measured under quasistatic, nondestructive four-point compression bending and torsion. Plate surface strain was recorded using three-dimensional (3D) digital image correlation during four-point compression bending. RESULTS: WL had a significant effect on overall construct stiffness in both compression bending and in torsion, with shorter WL constructs having higher stiffness (p < 0.0001). PBD had no effect on construct stiffness in compression bending; however, a significant reduction in stiffness was noted in torsion (p = 0.047) as PBD incrementally increased. WL had a significant effect on plate strain in compression bending, with shorter WL constructs having lower plate strain (p < 0.0001). PBD had no effect on plate strain in compression bending except for lower plate strain recorded in long WL constructs with 1-mm PBD, compared with 1.5- and 3-mm PBD constructs (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Longer WL constructs, regardless of PBD, had lower stiffness in compression bending, while in torsion, some modulation of this effect was noted with incremental decreases in PBD. Longer WL resulted in high plate strain, regardless of PBD.

Adjunctive fixation of the humeral epicondyle in a lateral condylar fracture model: Ex vivo comparison of pins and plates with a novel composite (AdhFix).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties of using a novel composite construct (AdhFix) to an interfragmentary Kirschner wire or a reconstruction plate as adjunctive epicondylar stabilization in simulated lateral unicondylar humeral fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric biomechanical assessment. SAMPLE POPULATION: Paired humeri harvested from skeletally mature dogs (14-41 kg), nine cadavers per group. METHODS: Simulated lateral unicondylar humeral fractures were stabilized with a transcondylar 4.5 mm cortical screw placed in lag fashion. Adjunct fixations consisting of a novel composite incorporating 2.7 mm cortical screws on one side, and either a 2.7 mm reconstruction plate or a 1.6 mm Kirschner wire on the contralateral side, were tested within paired humeri. Repaired humeri were axially loaded to failure and construct stiffness, yield load, and ultimate load were obtained from the load-deformation curves. RESULTS: In pairwise comparison, yield load was significantly higher for AdhFix group compared to the pin group, p = .016. No statistical significance was seen in the comparison between AdhFix group and the plate group, p = .25. CONCLUSION: Adhfix was mechanically superior to K-wires, and comparable to plate fixation, for adjunctive fixation in a lateral humeral condylar model. Our results support further investigation of the novel composite for adjunct fracture fixation in lateral humeral condylar fractures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The novel composite tested may be a viable alternative for adjunct fixation of humeral condylar fractures, a technique that circumvents plate contouring.

Biomechanical comparison of titanium alloy additively manufactured and conventionally manufactured plate-screw constructs.

AIM: To biomechanically compare the bending stiffness, strength, and cyclic fatigue of titanium additively manufactured (AM) and conventionally manufactured (CM) limited contact plates (LCP) of equivalent dimensions using plate-screw constructs. METHODS: Twenty-four 1.5/2.0-mm plate constructs (CM: n = 12; AM: n = 12) were placed under 4-point bending conditions. Data were collected during quasi-static single cycle to failure and cyclic fatigue testing until implants plastically deformed or failed. Bending stiffness, bending structural stiffness, and bending strength were determined from load-displacement curves. Fatigue life was determined as number of cycles to failure. Median test variables for each method were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test within each group. Fatigue data was also analysed by the Kaplan-Meier estimator of survival function. RESULTS: There was no evidence for a difference in bending stiffness and bending structural stiffness between AM and CM constructs. However, AM constructs exhibited greater bending strength (median 3.07 (min 3.0, max 3.4) Nm) under quasi-static 4-point bending than the CM constructs (median 2.57 (min 2.5, max 2.6) Nm, p = 0.006). Number of cycles to failure under dynamic 4-point bending was higher for the CM constructs (median 164,272 (min 73,557, max 250,000) cycles) than the AM constructs (median 18,704 (min 14,427, max 33,228) cycles; p = 0.02). Survival analysis showed that 50% of AM plates failed by 18,842 cycles, while 50% CM plates failed by 78,543 cycles. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Additively manufactured titanium implants, printed to replicate a conventional titanium orthopaedic plate, were more prone to failure in a shorter fatigue period despite being stronger in single cycle to failure. Patient-specific implants made using this process may be brittle and therefore not comparable to CM orthopaedic implants. Careful selection of their use on a case/patient-specific basis is recommended.

Locking conical coupling plates in small animal orthopedics: A review.

Conical coupling locking plates (CCP) have become an interesting alternative in veterinary orthopedics and traumatology. Available data in this regard, however, must be interpreted with caution, and several studies are still required to reach definitive conclusions on the clinical use of these implants. In this context, this review aims to discuss CCP applications and mechanical aspects in small animals and summarize in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo study results.

Treatment of traumatic cranial fracture with sonic activated polymer pins and plates resorbable implants in a dog.

INTRODUCTION: The case report describes the use of ultrasound-activated resorbable implants for surgical repair of comminuted cranial fractures in a 10 years old medium sized mix-breed dog being injured from a horse kick.

INTRODUCTION: Ce rapport de cas décrit l'utilisation d'implants résorbables activés par ultrasons pour la réparation chirurgicale de fractures crâniennes comminutives chez un chien de race moyenne âgé de 10 ans, blessé par un coup de pied de cheval.

Do locking plugs improve implant strength? Biomechanical comparison of polyaxial locking constructs with and without locking plugs in a fracture gap model.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of locking plugs and the biomechanical properties of a 3.5 mm 8-hole polyaxial locking plate in a fracture gap model. Our hypothesis was that locking plugs would increase the strength and stiffness of the construct. Twelve 3.5 mm 8-hole plates were used to evaluate two different construct designs (with locking plugs vs. without locking plugs) with validated bone substitutes in a 25 mm bridging osteosynthesis gap model. Each construct was subjected to a single cycle four-point bending load to failure using a servo-hydraulic testing machine. Bending stiffness, bending strength, and bending structural stiffness were calculated and compared using an unpaired Student´s t-test. RESULTS: The plating construct with locking plugs did not show any significant increase in terms of bending stiffness, bending strength, and bending structural stiffness compared to plating construct without locking plugs in a 25 mm gap fracture model during a single cycle four-point bending. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions tested, filling empty plate holes with locking plugs in bridging osteosynthesis does not increase stiffness or strength of the plate-bone construct.

Internal fixation of canine coccygeal vertebral fractures: four cases (2018-2022).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the surgical technique and evaluate the outcome and complications after coccygeal vertebral fracture repair in dogs using internal fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiography of client-owned dogs were reviewed retrospectively. A lateral approach to the vertebral body was used, and a 1.5 or 1.0 mm plate was applied laterally. Initial follow-up included clinical and radiographic assessment at 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. Short-term follow-up was assessed by the completion of an adapted functional questionnaire by owners. RESULTS: Four dogs presented with mid-vertebral body fractures. The neurological function of the tail was preserved, and fracture repair was performed in all cases. One dog developed a surgical site infection, which was successfully treated with antimicrobial therapy. One dog experienced prolonged postoperative pain and delayed union. Fracture healing occurred in all patients at the final follow-up. Neither discomfort nor reduced function or mobility of the tails was noticed during the postoperative patient assessment. The questionnaire was completed by all owners with a mean follow-up time of 40 weeks. Excellent outcomes were established from subsequent clinical reviews and owner questionnaires, related to their dog's activity and comfort levels. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Excellent outcomes can be achieved following the repair of coccygeal vertebral fractures in dogs using internal fixation, including a return to normal function of the tail.

Effects of Angled Dynamic Compression Holes in a Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Plate on Cranially Directed Fragment Displacement.

OBJECTIVE: To compare angled dynamic compression holes in a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) plate to a commercially available TPLO plate in an ovine cadaveric model. STUDY DESIGN: Ovine tibias (40 bones) were mounted on a custom-made securement device and radiopaque markers were placed to aid radiographic measurements. A standard TPLO procedure was performed on each tibia with either a custom-made six-hole 3.5 mm angled compression hole plate (APlate) or a six-hole 3.5 mm standard commercial plate (SPlate). Radiographs were obtained before and after tightening of the cortical screws and evaluated by an observer blinded to the plate. Measurements of cranio-caudal displacement (CDisplacement), proximo-distal displacement (PDisplacement) in relation to the long axis of the tibia, and change in tibial plateau angle (TPA) were determined. RESULTS: CDisplacement was significantly greater in APlate (median 0.85 mm, Q1-Q3: 0.575-1.325 mm) compared to SPlate (median 0.00 mm, Q1-Q3: -0.35-0.50 mm, p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the PDisplacement (median 0.55 mm, Q1-Q3: 0.075-1.00 mm, p = 0.5066) or TPA change (median -0.50°, Q1-Q3: -1.225-0.25°, p = 0.1846) between the two plate types. CONCLUSION: APlate increases cranially directed displacement of the osteotomy in a TPLO procedure without causing TPA change. The reduced interfragmentary distance across the whole osteotomy could improve osteotomy healing compared to standard commercial TPLO plates.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of femoral fractures with 3D-printed bone models and custom surgical guides: A cadaveric study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the accuracy and efficiency of reduction provided by application of plates precontoured to 3-dimensional (3D)-printed femoral bone models using a custom fracture reduction system (FRS) or intramedullary pin (IMP) to facilitate femoral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Seven dog cadavers. METHODS: Virtual 3D femoral models were created using computed tomographic images. Simulated, virtual mid-diaphyseal femoral fractures were created and reduced. Reduced femoral models were 3D-printed and a plate was contoured. Custom drill guides for plate screw placement were designed and 3D-printed for the FRS. Mid-diaphyseal simulated comminuted fractures were created in cadavers, and fractures were aligned using FRS or IMP and stabilized with the precontoured plates. Number of fluoroscopic images acquired per procedure and surgical duration were recorded. Computed tomographic scans were repeated to assess femoral length and alignment. RESULTS: Compared to the preoperative virtual plan, median change in femoral length and frontal, sagittal, and axial alignment was less than 3 mm, 2°, 3°, and 3° postoperatively, respectively, in both reduction groups. There was no difference in length or alignment between reduction groups (P > .05). During FRS, fewer fluoroscopic images were taken (P = .001), however, surgical duration was longer than IMP procedures (P = .011). CONCLUSION: Femoral alignment was accurate when using plates precontoured to 3D printed models, regardless of reduction method. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Accurate plate contouring using anatomically accurate models may improve fracture reduction accuracy during MIPO applications. Custom surgical guides may reduce fluoroscopy use associated with MIPO.

A Retrospective Short-Term Evaluation Using a Polyaxial Plating System in 60 Small Animal Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the use, complications and outcomes of the Liberty Lock System (LLS) used to repair fractures in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records (October 2016-June 2019) of dog and cat fractures repaired with the LLS were reviewed. Data reviewed included signalment, fracture classification, complications and radiographic outcome. RESULTS: The LLS was used to repair 60 fractures (57 appendicular and 3 axial) in 54 dogs and 6 cats. Mean time to radiographic union was 6 weeks (range: 4-16). Radiographic union was achieved in all 60 fractures with 55/60 healing without recorded complications. Major complications 4/60 and minor complication 1/60 rates were low and no catastrophic complications occurred. The most common major complication was surgical site infection. CONCLUSION: The LLS allowed for successful repair in all 60 cases with a wide variety of fractures. The LLS had a similar complication rate and time to radiographic union to that reported in other veterinary locking plate systems. The LLS is a reliable locking plate system which offers some advantages such as a low-profile plate with the ability to place non-polyaxial to angled polyaxial screws, to treat fractures in dogs and cats.

Locking Compression Plate Fixation of Feline Acetabular Fractures: Application, Complications and Perioperative Outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the use, complications and perioperative outcome of locking compression plates (LCP) for acetabular fracture fixation in feline patients. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records were reviewed for cats presented with acetabular fractures between 2011 and 2019. Only cases that involved open reduction and internal fixation with at least one LCP and had a minimum of 5-week postoperative follow-up were included. Long-term follow-up was based on the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index. RESULTS: Fifteen cats with 15 acetabular fractures met the inclusion criteria. Locking compression plates were used as a sole method of fixation in 11/15 cases, while with other ancillary implants in 4/15 cases. There were two minor complications related to the LCP consisting of a single screw backing out. Two major perioperative complications not related to the locking implants were described and required further surgical treatment. At the last clinical follow-up (median 46 days: 38-88 days), function was described as full for 7/15 cats, and acceptable for 8/15 cats. The Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index questionnaire was completed by 9/15 owners at a median of 2,332 days; all owners reported their cats had minimal impairment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on our results, LCP is a suitable implant for acetabular fracture fixation in cats, associated with a satisfactory outcome. Complications were similar to previously reported with other methods.

Linear external skeletal fixation applied in minimally invasive fashion for stabilization of nonarticular tibial fractures in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of linear external skeletal fixation (ESF) applied using minimally invasive techniques in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-nine dogs and 6 cats. METHODS: Medical records of cases with nonarticular tibial fractures, repaired using linear ESF at a single academic institution between July 2010 and 2020, were reviewed. All records of cases that had nonarticular tibial fractures repaired using linear ESF were included. Information was collected regarding signalment, surgical procedures performed, perioperative care, radiographic evaluation, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Intraoperative imaging was used in 40/55 (72%) of cases. Tibal plateau angle (TPA), tibial mechanical medial proximal and distal tibial angles (mMPTA and mMDTA, respectively) were not affected by intraoperative imaging (P = .344, P = .687, P = .418). A total of 22 (40%) complications occurred. Of these, 18 were considered minor and 4 were considered major. Open fractures had more major complications than closed fractures (P = .019). All fractures reached radiographic union of the fracture. The mean ± SD time to external fixator removal was 71 ± 48 days. CONCLUSION: Linear ESF applied using minimally invasive techniques with or without intraoperative imaging was an effective treatment for nonarticular tibial fractures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Closed application of linear ESF should be considered as a minimally invasive option for stabilizing nonarticular tibial fractures.

Treatment of a Mandibular Diastemal Fracture Using Locking Compression Plate and Cerclage Wire in a Mare.

This report describes the combination of two surgical fracture repair techniques and the postoperative management of a mandibular diastemal fracture in a two-year-old mare. The mare was referred to a veterinary hospital with a laceration over the body of the right mandible. Radiographic assessment revealed two mesial fracture lines involving the second premolar tooth and a ventrally displaced bone fragment. The mare was treated under general anesthesia and the fracture was corrected using open reduction and plate fixation. A 3.5 mm narrow 15-hole locking compression plate with seven locking screws were used in a bridge form. Cerclage wire was also used to anchor the incisor teeth to the second and third premolar teeth. The cerclage wire and incisor teeth were covered with polymethylmethacrylate to prevent implant failure and avoid injury to the oral mucosa. Implants were removed 55 days after surgery and the mare was discharged from hospital five days later. The mare returned for cerclage wire removal after 90 days and was allowed to resume exercise thereafter. The combination of two surgical techniques, proper implant choice and appropriate postoperative management, including use of pelleted feed, contributed to successful bone healing and return to function.

Design and topographic evaluation of a canine humeral anatomic plating system (CHAPS) for humeral condylar fracture repair in spaniels.

OBJECTIVE: To design a precontoured plating system for humeral condylar fracture repair in spaniels with humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) and quantify accuracy of fit of the system on 3D printed bone models. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental on 3D printed models. METHODS: The plating system was based on morphometric data obtained from CT. Plates were applied to models and impression material was measured under the plates at points of interest to define plate bone gap (PBG). Data on locking screw interference on plate application were also obtained. RESULTS: Eleven elbows models were plated. Statistical analysis to assess for any difference in PBG measurements between left and right humuri revealed two loci (3 and 17) under the lateral plate and two loci (3 and 17) under the medial plate. On cumulate portion analysis, 67% of lateral plate loci and 80% of medial plate loci had a PBG of ≤2 mm respectively. An incidence of 2.1% (3/143) screw interference occurred. CONCLUSION: Design of a contoured plating system for application to humeral models from spaniels with HIF and its application with objective measurement of PBG is described. The majority of the loci measured under both lateral and medial plates had a BPG of ≤2 mm and the incidence of locking screw interference on plate application was low. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This novel system may have application for the stabilization of humeral condylar fractures in spaniels avoiding the need for plate contouring and minimizing the incidence of locking screw interference.

Functional outcomes of dogs undergoing shoulder arthrodesis with 2 locking compression plates.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of dogs undergoing shoulder arthrodesis with the application of 2 locking compression plates (LCPs). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Twelve client owned dogs undergoing shoulder arthrodesis using 2 LCPs as the principal method of fixation. METHODS: Medical records were searched for dogs who had undergone shoulder arthrodesis at a hospital between 2014-2021. Inclusion criteria required at least 6 months postoperative follow up and the use of 2 LCPs as the principal method of arthrodesis. Outcomes recorded include clinical assessment, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) scoring, force plate analysis, and a client visual-analogue scale with at least 6 months follow up. RESULTS: All shoulders were immobilized with 2 LCPs and no postoperative external coaptation. The duration of follow up was 855.9 days (174-2135). Minor complications were recorded in 2/12 dogs, neither requiring surgical revision. Preoperative to postoperative mean lameness scores reduced from 2.9 to 0.8 (0-5), with 11/12 dogs making a full functional recovery, with a mean long-term LOAD score of 12.9 (4-23). Gait analysis was available in 5/12 dogs, placing a mean of 31.9% of their bodyweight on the operated limb, with a mean symmetry index of 8.7%. Owners scores (n = 11/12) were consistent with a high level of satisfaction (9.6/10). CONCLUSION: Shoulder arthrodesis with 2 LCPs was associated with low morbidity and good outcomes in our clinical setting. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Canine shoulder arthrodesis performed with 2 LCPs should be considered as a suitable alternative in dogs with severe shoulder joint pathology.