title: Locking compression plate stabilization of 20 distal radial and ulnar fractures in toy and miniature breed dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of the Locking Compression Plate® (LCP), in the form of either a straight or notched head T-plate, for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius and ulna in a series of 20 toy and miniature breed dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of toy and miniature breed dogs (<6 kg), greater than six months of age, with fractures of the distal radius and ulna from two veterinary hospitals were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included: fractures of the distal 1/3 of the radius and ulna and repair with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing an LCP (straight or notched head T-plate).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty fractures (20 dogs) satisfied the inclusion criteria; eight straight and 12 notched head T-plates were used, either 2.0 mm (n = 13) or 2.4 mm (n = 7). Hybrid fixation was performed in all dogs in one or both fragments. Mean time to radiographic union was 6.9 ± 2.5 weeks (range: 4-12 weeks) in 18/20 dogs with radiographic follow-up. One complication was observed: infection that resolved with antibiotic medication and implant removal. No other major complications occurred by the time of last follow-up. In all cases (mean follow-up: 15 ± 7 months), the reported limb function as evaluated by the referring veterinarian or owner was excellent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LCP, used as a hybrid construct for the treatment of distal radial and ulnar fractures was shown to yield excellent clinical results with both uncomplicated healing and excellent functional outcomes in this series of toy and miniature breed dogs.
authors.affiliation: Sophie Gibert, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 43 Avenue Aristide Briand, Arcueil 94110, France, Phone: +33 1 49 85 83 00, Fax: +33 1 49 85 83 01, E-mail: dr.sophie.gibert@gmail.com.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gibert
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Ragetly
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Boudrieau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049628:Body Size; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005552:Forelimb; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000662:veterinary*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Toy breed; distal radius; dog; hybrid fixation; locking compression plate