Infection rate treating radial and ulnar fractures using bone plate fixation without antibiotic prophylaxis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Small Animal Surgery
• Biomaterials in Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Radial and ulnar fractures are common in small breed dogs and cats.
• Traditional treatments may involve peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis.
• Evaluating novel fixation methods is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and complication rates of 1.5- and 2.0-mm titanium locking plates for treating radial and ulnar fractures.
• To determine the feasibility of using these plates without peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis.
• To report clinical and radiographic outcomes in small animal patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case series involving small breed dogs and cats with closed radial and ulnar fractures.
• Internal fixation using 1.5- or 2.0-mm titanium locking plates.
• Exclusion of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis; follow-up until radiographic union.

Main Results:

• Thirty-two fractures in 32 small animals (average weight 3.9 kg) were included.
• All fractures achieved radiographic union with good clinical outcomes observed.
• Superficial infection rate was 0%; deep infection rate was 3.1%.

Conclusions:

• The 1.5- and 2.0-mm titanium locking plate system is effective for simple closed radial and ulnar fractures in small animals.
• Successful treatment was achieved without peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis.
• The system offers a good clinical outcome with a low infection rate.