title: Pancarpal Arthrodesis Without Rigid Coaptation Using the Hybrid Dynamic Compression Plate in Dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the complications, short- and long-term outcomes, and owner satisfaction for dogs treated with pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) using the 2.7/3.5 mm locking and dynamic compression plate (DCP) hybrid pancarpal arthrodesis plate (hybrid DCP [HDCP]) without rigid coaptation in the postoperative period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dogs with carpal injuries requiring PCA (n=15).
  
  
  METHODS
  Records (May 2007-October 2013) of dogs that had PCA using 3.5/2.7 mm HDCP (1 or 2 plates) and a Robert-Jones bandage were reviewed to determine intra- and post-operative complications and overall limb function. Follow-up was obtained by clinical evaluation at our institution and telephone interview of owners.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen dogs had PCA stabilized with a single HDCP and 1 giant breed dog had PCA stabilized with 2 HDCP on the dorsal aspect of the carpus secured onto the 3rd and 4th metacarpal bones. Two dogs presented with bilateral injuries. Thirteen owners (87%) judged the results of surgery as excellent and 2 (13%) judged the results of surgery as good. Minor complications (4 limbs; 23%) were occasional episodes of mild lameness in 3 dogs and 3 episodes of discharging sinus tracts in a single dog. Major complications (3 limbs; 17%) included 1 surgical site infection and implant failure in a 43 kg dog with an active leishmaniasis infection and a concurrent bilateral sacro-iliac luxation. Two dogs developed episodes of discharging sinus tract and pain over the most distal screw that eventually necessitated plate removal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PCA without rigid coaptation can successfully be performed using the HDCP.
authors.affiliation: Centro Veterinario de Referencia Bahia de Malaga, Malaga, Spain.
authors.forename: Juan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ramirez
authors.affiliation: Centro Veterinario de Referencia Bahia de Malaga, Malaga, Spain.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Macias
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000662:veterinary; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary*; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome