[Pancarpal arthrodesis using a "CastLess Plate" in dogs and cats]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Orthopedics

Context:

• Pancarpal arthrodesis aims to fuse all carpal joints, often requiring external coaptation.
• A novel implant, the PCA-plate (CastLess-plate), was evaluated for its use in this procedure.

Purpose:

• To describe the clinical experience with the PCA-plate for pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs and cats.
• To assess the efficacy and complication rates of this implant without postoperative external coaptation.

Summary:

• Retrospective analysis of 20 pancarpal arthrodesis cases (15 dogs, 3 cats) using the PCA-plate.
• Complications included plate deformation and infection in dogs (2/17), and bone resorption/swelling in cats (3/3).
• Long-term outcomes were good to very good in 17/19 cases, with fistulas resolving medically.

Impact:

• The PCA-plate facilitates successful pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs without external coaptation.
• Smaller implant sizes are needed to reduce complication rates in feline patients.
• This study provides valuable insights into the clinical application of the CastLess Plate in veterinary orthopedics.