Summary
Efficacy of the rod-through-plate fixation for fracture repair was evaluated in six
clinical cases of canine long bone fractures. This fixation incorporates principles
of intramedullary and extramedullary osteosynthesis for transverse and short oblique
fractures of long tubular bones. The plate-through-rod device is comprised of one
pair of curved rods, a connecting plate and two bone screws. The connecting plate
has both a hole and a channel on each end. Curved rods have a long curved part and
a straight part with a hole in it for screw fixation. All components are made up of
medical stainless steel. Clinical and radiographical examinations were performed from
week seven to18 months after the operation. Functional abnormalities were not observed
at this period in five patients and all fractures were healed. In one patient screw
stripping in the proximal fragment of the femur was detected radiologically and minimal
implant dislocation was noted at seven weeks after the initial repair. The rod-through-plate
fixation method gives strong fixation of bone fragments with minimal traumatization
of soft tissue during the operation. The design of the rod-through-plate is intended
to reduce pressure of the plate on the cortex in the area of the fracture, whereas
the dynamic fixation provided by the intramedullary rods may allow micromotion, thus
stimulating callus formation and avoiding implant- induced osteoporosis. Clinical
relevance: The rod-through-plate fixator has a simple construction and its use expands
the treatment possibilities for diaphyseal fractures of long bones.
Keywords
Bone - dog - rod-through-plate fixation - internal fixation