Summary
The locking compression plate (LCP) has combination screw holes, making it possible
to use the implant in three different ways; as a pure internal fixator using locking
head screws, as a conventional compression plate using compression screws, or as a
hybrid of the two. The experience with the LCP system in veterinary fracture repair
is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of appendicular
fractures in dogs, which were repaired with the LCP system combined with less invasive
surgical techniques. Medical records and radiographs from 47 dogs were studied retrospectively.
Thirty-four percent of the fractures were simple, six percent wedge and 60% comminuted
fractures of the humerus (11 %), radius and ulna (30 %), femur (34 %) and of the tibia
and fibula (25 %). The fractures were treated using the LCP as an internal fixator;
in some cases as a plate and rod construct. Forty-six of 47 fractures reached radiographic
union. Mean healing time of the fractures was seven weeks (95% confidence interval
from 5.8 to 8.3 weeks). There were statistically significant differences in healing
time between juvenile (age under one year) and adults. Complications in the form of
implant failures and infections were encountered in approximately 11% of the cases.
All implant failures were due to surgical errors. The LCP system in combination with
a less invasive surgical approach was found advantageous in comminuted fractures where
the LCP was used as a bridging plate, in situations when exact plate contouring was
difficult, and when other implants prevented the use of bi-cortical screws.
Key Words
Dog - osteosynthesis - LCP - less invasive - internal fixator
