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33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings


Stream:   |   Session: Resident Forum - Orthopaedic
Date/Time: 04-07-2024 (18:15 - 18:30)   |   Location: Auditorium 1
Complications and medium-term outcome of appendicular fracture fixation with the SOP Low Profile Plate; a retrospective study of 30 fractures.
Treharne DR, Rutherford S*
Frank.Pet Surgeons, Leeds, United Kingdom.

Objectives:

This retrospective study assesses the complications and medium-term outcomes of osteosynthesis using the low-profile String of Pearls (SOP) plate system in small animals with appendicular fractures.

Methods:

Clinical data from April 2018 to June 2021, involving 30 fractures in 29 cases, was reviewed. Fractures were stabilized using either the 1.5mm or 2.0mm Low-Profile SOP plate system. Data included patient signalment, fracture description and repair method, intra-operative complications, and outcome at short-term follow-up. Medium-term follow-up involved telephone-based questionnaires.

Results:

Of the 30 fractures, 28% (n=8) experienced complications, with 10% (n=3) associated with the Low-Profile SOP system. Major complications (n=6) included 2 implant failures, a plate removal, and 3 arthrodesis wire migrations. Short-term follow-up demonstrated progression of radiographic union in all cases. Medium-term follow-up found full - acceptable function in all cases.

Conclusions:

The Low-Profile SOP plate system can be employed with acceptable complication rates and medium-term outcomes in small patients with appendicular fractures. Implant failures were noted in 1.5mm plates for radius/ulna fractures in dogs over 2.5kg, emphasizing the need for careful patient selection. Future areas of research would include larger prospective studies with comparison to a stainless-steel implant. Caution is advised when considering use of the 1.5mm plate for stabilization of radius/ulna fractures in patients over 2.5kg.

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