Summary
Fifty-two carpal panarthrodeses (CP) were carried out in 44 dogs (eight bilateral),
in a multicentre study using a single (n = 47) or double (n = 5) stepped hybrid CP
plate. Of these 44 cases, 39 were between 20–55 kg in bodyweight , 26 were males ,
and the carpometacarpal was the most common joint involved. Falling and other impact
trauma were the most common aetiology. Pain of unknown origin, carpal luxation, chronic
accessory carpal bone fracture, distal comminuted intra-articular radial fracture,
bone tumour, degenerative joint disease, canine erosive idiopathic polyarthritis,
avascular necrosis of the radial carpal bone and fractures of several metacarpal bones
were some of the pathologies reported. Fracture of the third metacarpal bone during
screw insertion was the only intrasurgical complication. Malpositioning of the plate
or screws and over-tightened screws were technical errors observed in seven of the
procedures. The radial carpal bone was not fixed with a screw in two cases due to
bone deformity. Concurrent plate breakage and bending in the same patient operated
on bilaterally was observed during the follow-up period, which represented a major
complication rate of 3.8% for all procedures. Minor complications were: low grade
infection, lick granuloma, digit hyperextension, screw loosening or failure, incomplete
fusion of some joints and a fracture of the third metacarpal bone at the distal screw
hole of the plate; which represented a rate of 44.2% on all procedures. Complete carpal
healing was observed radiographically in 94.2% of all procedures. Limb function was
excellent to good, and all of the owners, except for one, were satisfied with the
procedure.
Keywords
Carpal panarthrodesis - carpal arthrodesis - hybrid dynamic compression plate - stepped
hybrid carpal panarthrodesis plate
