Summary
This report describes the treatment of traumatic carpal hyperextension in a giant
breed dog by pancarpal arthrodesis using a custom- made Fixin locking plate, created
with the aid of a three-dimensional plastic model of the bones of the antebrachium
produced by rapid prototyping technology.
A three-year-old 104 kg male Mastiff dog was admitted for treatment of carpal hyperextension
injury. After diagnosis of carpal instability, surgery was recommended. Computed tomography
images were used to create a life-size three-dimensional plastic model of the forelimb.
The model was used as the basis for constructing a customized 12-hole Fixin locking
plate. The plate was used to attain successful pancarpal arthrodesis in the animal.
Radiographic examination after 74 and 140 days revealed signs of osseous union of
the arthrodesis. Further clinical and radiographic follow-up examination three years
later did not reveal any changes in implant position or complications.
Keywords
Rapid prototyping - custom plate - pancarpal arthrodesis - locking plate - dog