UniLOCK implants for stabilization of long bone fractures: Experiences in ten clinical cases

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome after the use of an UniLOCKimplant for stabilization of long-bone fractures in cats. UniLOCKimplants were used in long bone fractures (n=11) in ten client-owned cats. Data about the signalment (breed, weight, age) and history, characteristics of the fracture, details of the surgery and perioperative complications were recorded. Salter-Harris type I and II fractures in the four cats were recorded, operated upon and contralateral stifle joint ROM values with manuel goniometer and the differences between these values were determined. We evaluated the functional and radiological outcomes on 10th, 30th, 60th, and 90th days postoperatively. The final clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed after 12 months in all cases. The clinical outcome was excellent in nine cases, and good in one case. As a result of the postoperative trauma, stabilization of the implant was affected and an exuberant callus formation was encountered in the case 5 and the implants were removed immediately. Eight cats started using the limb immediately after waking up from anesthesia whereas initial limb use was 2-3 days after repair in the other cats. In conclusion, that the high success rate (90%) associated with a functional outcome suggests that the UniLOCK plate can be used in cats for long-bone fractures in cats

Keywords

• Cat
• fracture healing
• range of motion
• UniLOCK plate

Uzun kemik kırıklarının UniLOCK implantlarıyla stabilizasyonu:10 klinik olguda deneyimler

Abstract

Bu çalışmanın amacı, kedilerin uzun kemik kırıklarının stabilizasyonunda UniLOCK implantların kullanımının klinik sonuçlarını sunmaktır. UniLOCK implantları 10 sahipli kedinin 11 uzun kemik kırığında kullanıldı. Hastanın eşgali (ırk, ağırlık, yaş) ve anamnezi, kırığın yapısı, operasyon detayları ve perioperatif komplikasyonlar kaydedildi. Salter-Harris tip I ve II kırığı bulunan 4 kedinin, opere edilen ve kontralateraldeki diz eklemi hareket aralığı değerleri manuel goniometre ile ölçülerek değerler arasındaki farklar kaydedildi. Postoperatif 10., 30., 60. ve 90. günlerde fonksiyonel ve radyolojik sonuçlar değerlendirildi. Tüm olgularda klinik ve radyolojik son değerlendirme postoperatif 12. ayda yapıldı. Klinik sonuçlar 9 olguda mükemmel, 1 olguda iyi idi. Olgu 5’in postoperatif aldığı travmanın sonucu olarak implant stabilizasyonunun etkilendiği görüldü ve eksuberant kallus yapısıyla karşılaşıldı; implantlar hemen uzaklaştırıldı. Sekiz kedi anesteziden uyandıktan hemen sonra, diğerleri ise operasyondan 2-3 gün sonra ilgili ekstemitelerini kullanmaya başladı. Sonuç olarak, kedilerin uzun kemik kırıklarında fonksiyonel sonuçlarla ilişkili yüksek başarı oranı (%90) nedeniyle UniLOCK implantların kullanılabileceği sonucuna varıldı

Keywords

• Eklem hareket aralığı
• kedi
• kırık iyileşmesi
• UniLOCK plak

References

1. Amato NS, Richard A, Knight TA, et al. (2008): Ex vivo biomechanical comparison of the 2.4 mm UNILOCK Reconstruction plate using 2.4 mm locking versus Standard screws for fixation of acetabular osteotomy in dogs. Vet Surg, 37, 741-748.
2. Cambridge AJ, Tobias KM, Newberry RC, et al. (2000): Subjective and objective measurements of postoperative pain in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 217, 685-690.
3. Franch J, Lopez C (2007): Atlas der Chirurgishen Zugange Hund und Katze. 1st ed, 16-72, Verlag-Elsevier, Germany.
4. Frigg R (2003): Development of the locking compression plate. Injury, 34, 6-10.
5. Gauiter E, Sommer C (2003): Guidelines for the clinical application of the LCP. Injury, 34, 63-76.
6. Jaeger GH, Marcellin-Little DJ, Depuy V, et al. (2007): Validity of goniometric joint measurements in cats. Am J Vet Res, 68, 822-26.
7. Keller M, Voss K, Montavon PM (2004): The Compact Unilock 2.0/2.4 System and its application in small animal orthopaedics. 5th Continuing Education Course for Japan Small Animal Surgeons at the Small Animal Surgery Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University Zurich, University, August 23-27, pg. 14-28.
8. Keller M, Voss K (2002): Unilock: Applications in small animals. AO Dialogue, 15, 20-21.

9. Koch D (2005): Screws and Plates. In, Johnson AL, Houlton EF, Vannini R (Eds): AO Principles of Fracture Management in the Dog and Cat. 1st ed, 47, AO Publishing, Switzerland.
10. Linder L, Lundskog L (1975): Incorporation of stainless steel, titanium and vitallium in bone. Injury, 6, 277-285.
11. Millar BG, Frame JW, Browne RM (1990): A histological study of stainless steel and titanium screws in bone. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 28, 92-95.
12. Perren SM (2001): Evolution and rational of locked internal fixator technology. Introductory Remarks. Injury, 32, 3-9.
13. Plecko M, Lagerpusch N, Pegel B, et al. (2012): The influence of different osteosynthesis configurations with locking compression plates (LCP) on stability and fracture healing after an oblique 45° angle osteotomy. Injury, 43, 1041-51.
14. Simpson DJ, Lewis DD (2003): Fractures of the femur. In, Slatter D (ed), Textbook of Small Animal Surgery Saunders, pg. 2080-2086.
15. Şengöz Ö, Olcay B (2008): A new implant system called locked compression plate in veterinary practice. Vet Cerrahi Derg, 14, 44-47.
16. Şengöz Ö, Kaya Ü, Olcay B (2013): Clinical and radiological outcomes of the locking compression plate system in dogs with diaphyseal fractures: 32 cases. Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg, 19 (Suppl A), 13-18.
17. Voss K, Kull MA, Haessig M, et al. (2009): Repair of long- bone fractures in cats and small dogs with the Unilock mandible locking plate system. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol, 22, 398-405.
18. Voss K, Langley-Hobbs SJ, Montavon PM (2009): Femur. In, Montavon PM, Voss K, Langley-Hobbs SJ (Eds): Feline Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Disease, 1st ed, 460-473, Saunders, Switzerland.
19. Voss K, Steffen F (2009): Patient assessment. In, Montavon PM, Voss K, Langley-Hobbs SJ (Eds). Feline Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Disease. 1st ed, 8, Saunders, Switzerland.
20. Wagner M (2003): General principles for the clinical use of the LCP. Injury, 34, 31-4