Surgical management of bilateral radius ulna fractures in dogs by using titanium and stainless steel bone plating system in a single theatre session

The study included 6 fractures of 3 canine patients suffering from trauma inflicted by bilateral radius-ulna fractures with an aim to study two commonly used implant materials, titanium and stainless steel bone plating systems, in a single animal protocol for the repair of the bilateral fractures. Two dogs were male and one was female, two dogs were non-descript breeds, and the body weight ranged 20-37 kg. Average time taken for surgery was 141.67±10.14 min. In 4 bones 8-hole and in 2 bones 10-hole locking compression plates were used. Postoperatively all the three animals started bearing weight varying between 8 days and 14 days. Satisfactory radiographic union and weight bearing was achieved in all the animals. No difference in healing patterns was observed between the two limbs in all the animals. Haemoglobin, PCV, serum calcium and phosphorus values were within normal range. TLC, DLC, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine kinase values were higher than normal. From this study it was concluded that both titanium and stainless steel plates were having sufficient strength and biocompatibility to be used for the repair of long bone fractures in dogs. Single theatre session for the fixation of both limbs in same restraint was found to have practical utility.