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.
East Neuk Veterinary Clinic, Fife and Broadleys Veterinary Hospital, Station Road, Netherton Estate, St Monans, UK. spcpigsy.72@btinternet.com
Stephen P
SP
Clarke
John F
JF
Ferguson
Andrew
A
Miller
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*