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İnal et al: Minimally Invasive Radial–Ulnar and Tibial Fracture Management with Supracutaneous Locking Plates in Dogs and Cats
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 5, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Supracutaneous locking plates (SLPs) were successfully used to manage 33 diaphyseal fractures (radial–ulnar and tibial) in 30 cats and dogs.
  • Median fracture healing time was 50.5 days (range: 27–88), with most patients regaining limb use within days postoperatively.
  • CT-based metrics (callus area, HU, and 3D bone volume) increased significantly during healing (p < 0.05), validating CT as a quantitative tool for assessing healing.
  • Complications were minimal: minor in 15/33 (e.g., screw tract discharge, edema), and major in 3/33 (e.g., implant failure, delayed union, nonunion).
  • Minimally invasive osteosynthesis required longer surgery times than closed reduction (p < 0.05), but both techniques were viable.
  • SLPs enabled successful bilateral fracture management without inter-plate interference due to their compact design.
  • Screw orientation challenges were noted in cats, especially with cranial application to the radius due to narrow anatomy.
  • Polyaxial locking screws were used safely and did not dislodge, allowing for angular insertion (≤10°) to avoid neurovascular structures.

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İnal et al: Minimally Invasive Radial–Ulnar and Tibial Fracture Management with Supracutaneous Locking Plates in Dogs and Cats
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 5, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Supracutaneous locking plates (SLPs) were successfully used to manage 33 diaphyseal fractures (radial–ulnar and tibial) in 30 cats and dogs.
  • Median fracture healing time was 50.5 days (range: 27–88), with most patients regaining limb use within days postoperatively.
  • CT-based metrics (callus area, HU, and 3D bone volume) increased significantly during healing (p < 0.05), validating CT as a quantitative tool for assessing healing.
  • Complications were minimal: minor in 15/33 (e.g., screw tract discharge, edema), and major in 3/33 (e.g., implant failure, delayed union, nonunion).
  • Minimally invasive osteosynthesis required longer surgery times than closed reduction (p < 0.05), but both techniques were viable.
  • SLPs enabled successful bilateral fracture management without inter-plate interference due to their compact design.
  • Screw orientation challenges were noted in cats, especially with cranial application to the radius due to narrow anatomy.
  • Polyaxial locking screws were used safely and did not dislodge, allowing for angular insertion (≤10°) to avoid neurovascular structures.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In İnal 2025 et al., on supracutaneous locking plates, which complication was most frequently encountered?

A. Implant breakage
B. Deep infection
C. Edema formation
D. Minor screw tract discharge
E. Skin necrosis

Answer: Minor screw tract discharge

Explanation: Screw tract discharge was the most common minor complication, particularly at proximal screws.
In İnal 2025 et al., on supracutaneous locking plates, which imaging modality was used to assess bone volume and callus HU?

A. Standard radiography
B. Computed tomography
C. Ultrasonography
D. MRI
E. Bone scintigraphy

Answer: Computed tomography

Explanation: CT allowed objective, quantitative assessment of callus area and Hounsfield Units (HU).
In İnal 2025 et al., on supracutaneous locking plates, what was the median fracture healing time observed in cats and dogs?

A. 27 days
B. 38.5 days
C. 50.5 days
D. 65.0 days
E. 88 days

Answer: 50.5 days

Explanation: The median healing time was reported as 50.5 days (range: 27–88).
In İnal 2025 et al., on supracutaneous locking plates, which screw configuration was consistently used for adequate stability?

A. One monocortical screw per fragment
B. Three monocortical screws per fragment
C. Two bicortical screws per fragment
D. Four bicortical screws per segment
E. Variable-length monocortical screws

Answer: Two bicortical screws per fragment

Explanation: The study emphasized at least two bicortical screws per fragment for adequate stabilization.
In İnal 2025 et al., on supracutaneous locking plates, what was one key advantage of SLPs over external skeletal fixation in bilateral fractures?

A. Stronger fixation
B. Titanium material compatibility
C. Reduced bulk, no entanglement
D. Higher compressive strength
E. Lower surgery cost

Answer: Reduced bulk, no entanglement

Explanation: The SLP design prevented interference in bilateral applications, unlike bulky external fixators.

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Minimally Invasive Radial–Ulnar and Tibial Fracture Management with Supracutaneous Locking Plates in Dogs and Cats