Clinical evaluation of a mini locking plate system for fracture repair of the radius and ulna in miniature breed dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of a novel 1.2 mm mini locking plate system in treating fractures of the radius and ulna in miniature breed dogs.

METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of miniature breed dogs with fractures treated with a 1.2 mm mini locking plate system were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were: body weight of 2.5 kg or less, transverse or short oblique fracture of the radius and ulna, and treatment with a mini locking plate system as the sole method of fixation. For each patient, data including signalment, time to radiographic union, use of bone graft or other agents, and previous repair attempts were recorded. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations.

RESULTS: Fourteen cases with a mean radial width of 4.5 mm (± 0.8 mm) were included into this study. The fractures healed without failure of fixation in all cases. Mean time to adequate radiographic union was 8.4 weeks (± 2.6 weeks). Major complications were not seen in any of the cases, and minor complications occurred in three of the cases. Limb function was graded as 'normal' in 10 cases and 'occasional lameness' in four cases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The mini locking system evaluated in this study was an effective treatment method for radial and ulnar fractures in miniature breed dogs with a radial width smaller than 5.5 mm.