Open reduction and internal fixation of 75 small animal fractures treated with the OrthoLineTM fracture system

Objective To describe specific methods of plate application and to report outcomes for patients treated with the OrthoLine TM system. Study design Retrospective case series. Animals A total of 65 dogs, and six cats. Methods Medical records of dogs and cats treated with the OrthoLine TM system were reviewed. Cases with <12 weeks follow‐up, significant comorbidities, a revision procedure, or those receiving the study implant in combination with another system were excluded. Construct application characteristics (plate span [%], plate span ratio, screw hole density, and plate working length [cm]) were calculated and compared between fracture locations. Patient outcomes included fracture healing, owner assessed outcome (telephone interview) and reported complications from owner interviews and medical records. Results A total of 75 fractures in 71 cases were treated with 77 plates. Clinical union was noted in 57/61 fractures (93.4%) at a range of 1.7–19.7 weeks. Owner assessed outcome ( n = 51) was graded as full or acceptable for all cases. Major complications included implant failure ( n = 1), implant infection ( n = 2), and intraoperative malreduction with revision ( n = 1). Plate span of radial (46.6%) and ulnar (33.0%) constructs were both lower compared to femoral (73.3%) ( p < .001) constructs, and ulnar constructs were also lower compared to tibial (61.7%) constructs ( p = .004). Conclusion The OrthoLine TM system produced acceptable radiographic healing, complication rates, and owner assessed outcomes. Shorter plate spans in the radius and ulna were well tolerated. Clinical significance The OrthoLine TM system is a promising alternative for fracture repair in dogs and cats.