title: Cuttable plate fixation for small breed dogs with radius and ulna fractures: Retrospective study of 31 dogs.
abstract: This retrospective study evaluated complication rates for radius and ulna fractures in small breed dogs in which 1.5 mm to 2.7 mm cuttable bone plates were used for internal fixation. The medical records of all cases from 2004 to 2011 that were presented to our clinic were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: dogs with body weight < 9 kg, fracture of the radius and ulna with open reduction, and internal fixation utilizing a cuttable bone plate. Thirty-four fractures in 31 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Of 25 dogs that were available for follow-up, all achieved union, minor complications occurred in 9, and major complications occurred in 8. External coaptation was responsible for complications in 8 cases and the need for coaptation needs to be investigated. Excluding minor complications, 32% of patients required at least 1 additional surgery or additional hospitalization. All but 2 of the dogs returned to full function. The 1.5 mm straight plate was successfully used in all dogs with a body weight of 0.9 to 2.6 kg.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
authors.forename: Gwyneth K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Watrous
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
authors.forename: Noel M M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Moens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049628:Body Size; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*