Small Plates, Strong Results: How 1.5-mm Locking Plates Perform in Toy-Breed Antebrachial Fractures

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of 1.5-mm Locking Plate Fixation for 30 Radial and Ulnar Fractures in Dogs

Ryan Swepson; James Crowley; Mark Glyde; Brett de Bruyn; Dan Wills; Lucas Beierer; Mark Newman; Chris Tan

Background

Radial and ulnar fractures are common in miniature and toy-breed dogs and are associated with high complication rates due to limited distal bone stock, minimal soft-tissue coverage, and compromised blood supply. The development of 1.5-mm locking plate systems offers potential advantages in these small patients by allowing higher screw density and improved fixation in narrow radii. However, published clinical outcome data for these implants remain limited.

Methods

This retrospective multicentre case series included dogs that underwent radial and/or ulnar fracture repair using 1.5-mm locking plate systems at four referral hospitals between 2016 and 2023. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed for signalment, fracture characteristics, implant configuration, plate–bone ratio, screw–bone ratio, radiographic union, functional outcome, and complications. Radiographic union was defined as bridging of at least three of four cortices.

Results

Thirty fractures in 28 dogs were included, with a median body weight of 2.4 kg. Most fractures were transverse or short-oblique and located in the distal or middle third of the radius. Radiographic union of the radius was achieved in 29/30 fractures at a median of 8 weeks postoperatively. Of cases with long-term clinical follow-up, 21/24 achieved full function and 3/24 acceptable function; no dog had unacceptable function. Five major complications occurred, including two infections, one peri-implant refracture, one screw migration with radioulnar synostosis, and one bandage-related pressure sore. All complications were manageable, and infected cases returned to full function following implant removal and antibiotics.

Limitations

The retrospective design, variable follow-up intervals, lack of objective gait analysis, and relatively small sample size limited identification of risk factors for complications. Only simple fracture configurations were included, and results may not apply to comminuted fractures or heavier dogs.

Conclusions

In miniature and toy-breed dogs, 1.5-mm locking plate systems provided effective fixation for radial and ulnar fractures, with a high rate of radiographic union and favourable functional outcomes. When applied with appropriate case selection and adherence to fracture-biomechanics principles, these implants represent a reliable option for managing antebrachial fractures in small dogs.

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