Fracture repair using a polyaxial locking plate system (PAX)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Small Animal Surgery

Background:

• Fracture repair in dogs and cats often utilizes internal fixation devices.
• The polyaxial locking plate system (PAX) offers multidirectional screw insertion capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes and complication rates of canine and feline fractures treated with the polyaxial locking plate system (PAX).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series reviewed medical records of 60 dogs and 2 cats treated with the PAX system between December 2009 and March 2011.
• Data collected included signalment, fracture characteristics, surgical technique (including minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis), fixation details, complications, and time to functional union.
• Statistical analysis identified factors influencing functional union and complication rates.

Main Results:

• Sixty-two animals were included, with a mean time to functional union of 7.1 weeks.
• Complications occurred in 19% of cases, and plate failure in 5%.
• Multiple injuries and patient age were significant factors affecting time to union, while double plates and the number of cortices engaged were associated with complications.

Conclusions:

• The polyaxial locking plate system (PAX) provides a functional option for fracture repair in dogs and cats.
• Its complication rate and time to union are comparable to existing fracture repair systems.
• Careful consideration of factors like multiple injuries, age, fixation technique, and screw engagement is important for optimizing outcomes.