Clinical evaluation of pancarpal arthrodesis using a CastLess plate in 11 dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of a 3.5/2.7 mm CastLess Plate (CLP) for pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) in dogs.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Dogs with traumatic/degenerative carpal disease (n=11).


METHODS
Records (September 2006-July 2007) of dogs that had PCA using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP were reviewed to determine intra- and postoperative complications and use of external coaptation. Follow-up (> or =12 months) was obtained by telephone interview of owners.


RESULTS
Thirteen PCA procedures were performed; 5 intraoperative complications occurred in 4 procedures and included iatrogenic metacarpal fissure fracture (2), inability to remove an alignment pin (1), and poor distal plate position (2). External coaptation was used in 4 dogs: concomitant or iatrogenic injuries (3), bilateral PCA (1), for 3-6 weeks. Clinical evaluation 6-24 weeks postoperatively revealed iatrogenic metacarpal fractures to have healed and that 1 postoperative complication (infection) developed. Telephone follow-up for 10 dogs (mean, 14 months; range, 12-20 months) revealed no further problems.


CONCLUSIONS
PCA using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP reduces the need for external coaptation and seemingly reduces postoperative morbidity associated with other internal fixation techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
PCA can be performed safely and successfully using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP, with low postoperative morbidity compared with other PCA techniques. Particular attention should be taken when applying the distal component of the plate.
Clarke
Stephen P
SP
East Neuk Veterinary Clinic, Fife and Broadleys Veterinary Hospital, Station Road, Netherton Estate, St Monans, UK. spcpigsy.72@btinternet.com
Ferguson
John F
JF
Miller
Andrew
A
D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*