Stifle arthrodesis using a locking plate system in six dogs

OBJECTIVES:  To describe the use of the Fixin locking plate system for stifle arthrodesis in dogs and to retrospectively report the clinical and radiographic outcomes in six cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs that had arthrodesis with the Fixin locking plate system were reviewed. For each patient, data pertaining to signalment and implant used were recorded. Plate series and thickness, number of screws placed, number of cortices engaged, and screw diameters were also recorded. The outcome was determined from clinical and radiographic follow-ups. Radiographic outcomes assessed included the measurement of the postoperative femoral-tibial angle in the sagittal plane.

RESULTS: Six dogs met the inclusion criteria for the study. Mean body weight was 13 kg (range: 3 - 34 kg). Radiographic follow-up (mean: 32 weeks, range: 3 - 52 weeks) was available for all dogs. In one case, an intra-operative complication occurred. In another case, a tibial fracture occurred 20 days after surgery. All arthrodeses healed and no implant complication was detected although all cases had mechanical lameness.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stifle arthrodesis can be performed successfully using a Fixin locking plate system.