The use of plastic plates for fixation of spinal fractures in the dog

Plastic plates are a rapid and easy method to realign and stabilize the spinal column following a traumatic injury and may give greater bone-to-plate contact than metal plates. They distribute the pressure on the spinous processes over a larger surface area although plate slippage and spinous process fractures can occur as with any plate. Laminectomies should not be a routine procedure with plating but each patient should be evaluated individually and autogenous bone grafts may be used to advantage to promote fusion of vertebral bodies. In the two cases presented, the plastic plates achieved their purpose. However, it is essential that fusion of the vertebrae occurs before the plates slip or the spinous processes fracture.