# A Retrospective Study of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes and Exploratory Analysis of Implant Failure in Dogs ≤5 kg Treated with Titanium Locking Mini-Plates for Radial and Ulnar Fractures

## TL;DR

This study shows that titanium locking mini-plates are effective for treating radial and ulnar fractures in small dogs, with most achieving successful healing and normal limb function.

## Contribution

The study identifies distal fragment length as a potential risk factor for implant failure in small dogs treated with titanium locking mini-plates.

## Key findings

- Radiographic union was achieved in 92.9% of fractures treated with titanium locking mini-plates.
- Implant failure occurred in 7.1% of cases but was successfully resolved with revision surgery.
- Shorter distal fragment length was significantly associated with implant failure.

## Abstract

Radial and ulnar fractures are common in small dogs and can be difficult to treat because their bones are thin and fragile. Surgical stabilization using small bone plates is frequently required, but complications such as implant failure or delayed healing may occur. This study reviewed the medical records of dogs weighing 5 kg or less that were treated for these fractures using a titanium locking mini-plate system. In most cases, fractures healed successfully after surgery, and at the final follow-up, all dogs regained normal limb function. These findings suggest that the titanium locking plates used in this study were associated with stable fracture fixation in toy-breed dogs.

Radial and ulnar fractures in toy-breed dogs are associated with a high risk of complications due to limited bone stock and soft tissue coverage. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes in dogs undergoing radial and ulnar fracture stabilization with a titanium locking mini-plate system. Medical records and radiographs of toy-breed dogs weighing ≤5 kg treated between 2020 and 2025 were reviewed. Twenty-six dogs met the inclusion criteria. Radiographic union after primary fixation was observed in 92.9% of fractures. Implant failure occurred in 7.1% of cases and was successfully addressed with revision surgery, after which fracture healing was achieved. At final follow-up, limb function was graded as excellent in all dogs, including those requiring revision surgery. A shorter distal fragment length was significantly associated with implant failure, whereas implant length and proximal fragment length showed no significant association. These findings indicate that titanium locking mini-plates were associated with favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes. Distal fragment dimensions may influence the risk of implant failure and should be considered during surgical planning. However, the small number of implant failure events limits the robustness of statistical inferences, and the absence of a control group prevents direct comparison with alternative fixation techniques.