Comparison of Cranial versus Medial Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Applications for the Stabilization of Simulated Antebrachial Fractures

Introduction: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an emerging fracture management modality in small animal orthopaedics. Cranial plate application has been advocated when performing radial MIPO applications; however, medial application might prove easier, particularly when stabilizing mid-to-distal fractures. We hypothesized both plate applications would yield equivalent fracture alignment, but medial plating would be easier to perform, decreasing surgical times.

Materials and Methods: Cranial or medial radial plating was performed by MIPO facilitated by a 2-ring fixator on contralateral forelimbs in dog cadavers. Postprocedural angulation, radial length, procedure times, fluoroscopic images, and Likert scores were compared between groups.

Results: Ten cadavers were used. Radial length proved to be significantly different (p = 0.0006): medial bone plating resulted in radial lengthening (0.99 ± 0.88 mm) compared to shortening with cranial plating (−2.18 ± 0.75 mm).

Discussion/Conclusion: Our results support medial antebrachial MIPO application warrants consideration. The clinical significance of radial lengthening with medial plating is assumed to be negligible. Given comparable procedural times between reduction groups, despite the surgeon's experience and bias with cranial plating, medial plating could potentially prove more efficient with increased surgeon proficiency.

Acknowledgments: This project was supported with funds and implants provided by Intrauma S.p.A., Rivoli, Italy. Additional funding was provided by the Jeff and Jo Godwin Advanced Small Animal Surgical Training and Canine Gait Laboratory.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
11 September 2023