Minimally Invasive Radial-Ulnar and Tibial Fracture Management with Supracutaneous Locking Plates in Dogs and Cats.

Objective:  This study aimed to report the clinical, radiographic, and computed tomography results of supracutaneous locking plate (SLP) application in radial-ulnar and tibial fractures.

Study design:  In this clinical prospective study, cats and dogs with nonarticular radial, ulnar, and tibial fractures were managed with SLP. Surgical records, fracture healing, complications, and lameness were reviewed during scheduled rechecks. Fracture healing was assessed by clinical, radiographic, and tomographic reexaminations.

Results:  All cases were reevaluated during clinical and radiological follow-up examinations for 13 weeks. Supracutaneous locking plates were used in 8 radial-ulnar and 25 tibial fractures. Closed reduction was used in 10 cases, and the minimally invasive osteosynthesis approach technique was used in 20 cases. The median fracture healing time was 50.5 days (range: 27-88). Callus area, the Hounsfield units value of callus tissue, and three-dimensional bone volume gradually increased during fracture healing (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Using SLPs to manage nonarticular diaphyseal radial-ulnar and tibial fractures in cats and dogs resulted in acceptable clinical outcomes. Cats and dogs tolerated SLPs well, and no complications related to structural integrity were encountered in most cases.