title: Repair of radial fractures in toy breed dogs with self-reinforced biodegradable bone plates, metal screws, and light-weight external coaptation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a surgical technique for, and outcome after, treatment of radial fractures with biodegradable self-reinforced polylactide plates and metal screws, and external coaptation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective clinical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven Toy breed dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Radial fractures were repaired by application of a single or 2 stacked biodegradable self-reinforced polylactide plates (poly-L/D, L-lactide, stereocopolymer [LL-and DL-lactide ratio 70/30]; SR-PLA (70/30) implants) secured with metal screws, and light-weight external coaptation. Healing was evaluated clinically and by radiography at 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 24-26 weeks, and at 1 and 2 years. Owners were interviewed 3 years after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Radial fracture lines disappeared within 4-14 weeks in 10 dogs; an implant failed in 1 dog. Ambulation was excellent for healed fractures. Excessive skin tension led to removal of implants in 1 dog and suture repair in another dog. No foreign body reaction from implant degradation was observed and the plate was usually no longer palpable at 2 years. One dog had a fracture through a screw hole at 1 year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healing and complication rates after repair of radial fractures with SR-PLA (70/30) plates were considered similar or better than reported after repair with metallic plates or external fixation in Toy breed dogs. No radiographic signs of osteopenia were identified under the plate during follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biodegradable polylactide plates could be considered as an alternative to metal plates for radial fracture repair in Toy breed dogs, however available plates are likely not strong enough when used as a single plate. Implant removal is usually not needed.
authors.affiliation: Espoo Animal Hospital, Espoo, Finland. anu.saikku-backstrom@fimnet.fi
authors.forename: Anu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saikku-Bäckström
authors.forename: Jan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Räihä
authors.forename: Tero
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Välimaa
authors.forename: Riitta-Mari
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Tulamo
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D011091:Polyesters; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters