Temporary Transarticular Immobilization of the Stifle Joint Using a Locking Plate
🔍 Key Findings
- Temporary transarticular locking plates successfully immobilized the stifle joint for protection of primary repairs (e.g., ligament reconstruction or articular fracture fixation) in dogs and cats.
- 15 stifle joints in 13 patients met inclusion criteria (9 dogs, 4 cats) treated for injuries such as patellar fracture, patellar ligament rupture, stifle luxation, and femoral condylar fractures.
- The plate was contoured along the medial distal femur and proximal tibia, immobilizing the joint at 135–145° extension with at least three screws in each bone segment.
- Implant removal occurred at a median of 58 days (range 27–96), aligning with the planned ~6-week immobilization period intended to protect repair while limiting cartilage damage.
- No intraoperative complications were reported, and all animals were able to ambulate comfortably postoperatively.
- One major complication (plate breakage at 19 days) required early removal and temporary orthotic support.
- Four minor complications involved plate breakage occurring after the recommended removal time, often related to delayed follow-up appointments.
- Respecting the planned 6-week implant removal is important to prevent implant failure, and dedicated anatomically designed plates may further improve technique reliability.
Simini Surgery Review Podcast
🔍 Key Findings
- Temporary transarticular locking plates successfully immobilized the stifle joint for protection of primary repairs (e.g., ligament reconstruction or articular fracture fixation) in dogs and cats.
- 15 stifle joints in 13 patients met inclusion criteria (9 dogs, 4 cats) treated for injuries such as patellar fracture, patellar ligament rupture, stifle luxation, and femoral condylar fractures.
- The plate was contoured along the medial distal femur and proximal tibia, immobilizing the joint at 135–145° extension with at least three screws in each bone segment.
- Implant removal occurred at a median of 58 days (range 27–96), aligning with the planned ~6-week immobilization period intended to protect repair while limiting cartilage damage.
- No intraoperative complications were reported, and all animals were able to ambulate comfortably postoperatively.
- One major complication (plate breakage at 19 days) required early removal and temporary orthotic support.
- Four minor complications involved plate breakage occurring after the recommended removal time, often related to delayed follow-up appointments.
- Respecting the planned 6-week implant removal is important to prevent implant failure, and dedicated anatomically designed plates may further improve technique reliability.
Simini Surgery Review Podcast
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