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Rehnblom et al: Open reduction and internal fixation of 75 small animal fractures treated with the OrthoLine™ fracture system
Veterinary Surgery 8, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • High clinical union rate (93.4%) was achieved across 75 fractures treated with the OrthoLine™ system.
  • Owner-assessed outcomes were universally acceptable or full, with no unacceptable outcomes reported.
  • Overall major complication rate was 12.2%, including implant failure (1.1%) and implant infection (2 cases).
  • Shorter plate spans in radial (46.6%) and ulnar (33.0%) fractures were well tolerated without increased nonunion.
  • Femoral constructs used longer plate spans (73.3%) compared with radius/ulna, reflecting differing biomechanical demands.
  • Use of postoperative external coaptation was common (46.7%) and associated with higher minor bandage-related complications.
  • Titanium alloy and stainless-steel plates both produced acceptable healing, with no delayed unions attributable to material choice.
  • The OrthoLine™ system was deemed a promising alternative locking plate system for small animal fracture repair.

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← Articles

Rehnblom et al: Open reduction and internal fixation of 75 small animal fractures treated with the OrthoLine™ fracture system
Veterinary Surgery 8, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • High clinical union rate (93.4%) was achieved across 75 fractures treated with the OrthoLine™ system.
  • Owner-assessed outcomes were universally acceptable or full, with no unacceptable outcomes reported.
  • Overall major complication rate was 12.2%, including implant failure (1.1%) and implant infection (2 cases).
  • Shorter plate spans in radial (46.6%) and ulnar (33.0%) fractures were well tolerated without increased nonunion.
  • Femoral constructs used longer plate spans (73.3%) compared with radius/ulna, reflecting differing biomechanical demands.
  • Use of postoperative external coaptation was common (46.7%) and associated with higher minor bandage-related complications.
  • Titanium alloy and stainless-steel plates both produced acceptable healing, with no delayed unions attributable to material choice.
  • The OrthoLine™ system was deemed a promising alternative locking plate system for small animal fracture repair.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Rehnblom 2025 et al., on OrthoLine fracture fixation, what conclusion was reached regarding radial fractures with shorter plate spans?

A. They had high nonunion rates
B. They required revision surgery frequently
C. They were poorly tolerated
D. They healed acceptably despite shorter spans
E. They required routine bone grafting

Answer: They healed acceptably despite shorter spans

Explanation: Radial fractures demonstrated reliable healing even with shorter plate spans.
In Rehnblom 2025 et al., on OrthoLine fracture fixation, which owner-assessed outcome was reported?

A. Frequent unacceptable outcomes
B. Mixed acceptable and unacceptable outcomes
C. Only acceptable outcomes
D. Full or acceptable outcomes in all cases
E. Outcomes were not assessed

Answer: Full or acceptable outcomes in all cases

Explanation: All owners who responded reported either full recovery or acceptable function.

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