Repair of thirty-six fractures in dogs using the Mennen clamp-on plate: preliminary results

Abstract

Summary Objective: To report the use of a human fixation device, the Mennen clamp-on plate (MCOP), for fracture repair in dogs as the sole method of fixation, or in combination with another fixation method such as an intramedullary pin. Methods: The study, which was performed to evaluate the use of the MCOP in fracture repair in dogs, included 36 cases that were selected between 2004 and 2008. The selected cases were all closed diaphyseal fractures, in which sufficient plate prongs could engage the bone on either side of the fracture. Results: Of the 36 cases, 32 had excellent outcomes, and four had complications; these were two cases of fixation failure, one case of osteomyelitis, and one with mild sciatic nerve deficits. Discussion: The MCOP is a promising method for fracture repair on its own for young puppies (six months or less), and in conjunction with other fixation methods in older dogs. It is quick to apply, as no screw holes are created and it achieved a successful outcome in 95% of the cases, provided the cases were appropriately selected for this method. Conclusions: Using the MCOP has produced promising preliminary results in this study and warrants further evaluation.