In our population, an increased distal femoral varus was associated with medial patellar luxation. Our results could be useful to determine whether or not angular deformity of the femur is present and help determine the degree of correction necessary to restore alignment.

The aim of this study is to report the results and to review the outcome of 14 cases of Y-T humeral fractures repair using paired polyaxial locking system (PAX) plates through a combined medial and lateral approach. Fourteen consecutive dogs, with traumatic humeral Y-T fractures, met the inclusion criteria. This study includes signalment, preoperative radiographs, type of implants, radiographic bone healing assessment, complications, range of motion (ROM) of the elbow and limb function evaluated at 120 days after surgery. Postoperative radiographs revealed adequate anatomic reconstruction, and in all cases, bone healing has been achieved. No implant failure was observed. Functional outcome was excellent in 7 dogs (no lameness and preserved ROM), good in 4 (slight lameness and moderate ROM reduction) and discrete in 2 (mild lameness and severe ROM reduction). Complications were encountered in 2/14 patients with implant-associated infection resolved after long-term antibiotic treatment and implant removal. The PAX system is shown to be a valid alternative for the treatment of Y-T humeral fractures, offering the benefit of polyaxial insertion of locking screws. The possibility of angle locking screws is helpful in the distal humeral bicondylar fractures, providing additional options for screw placement in juxtarticular fractures, avoiding fracture lines or other implants.

The PAX RP and VetLOX reconstruction plates are much more likely to fail when used as bridging implants, thus adjunct support is needed. The lower bending strength of the VetLOX reconstruction plates suggests it should not be used in fractures under high loads.

The aim of this study was to report the surgical treatment of stifle joint luxation through temporary immobilization of the joint with locking plates in a cat. Stifle joint was immobilized using a temporary trans-articular locking plate applied medially. Return to function was assessed by physical and radiographic follow-up examinations. The cat had good return to function despite a reduction in range of motion. Moderate chronic gonarthritis developed, as seen radiographically. Under the limitation of this single case, temporary trans-articular plating may be considered as useful method for the treatment of long-standing, severely displaced stifle joint luxations in cats.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the difference between the amount of bone visible with the superimposition of a radiolucent hybrid external fixator and a graphically simulated metallic frame. Eighteen frames were applied to eighteen bone specimens. The fracture area (FA), the radiolucent area (RLA) and the radiopaque area (ROA) inside the FA were calculated for each construct on both postoperative views. The ratio between the RLA and FA and between the ROA and FA was used to evaluate the amount of bone visible in the FA with a radiolucent and a radiopaque fixator, respectively. Finally, the areas of RLA and ROA were compared using the Wilcoxon test and Friedman test to evaluate the effect of the radiolucent material on the amount of bone visible. Differences were considered significant if p < 0.5. In every specimen p was <0.5. The amount of bone visible was significantly higher with the radiolucent frame compared to the radiopaque frame. Based on the results of this study, the use of radiolucent materials can be a valuable option for external fixation, in order to decrease the radiographic interference of the frame, allowing better assessment of fracture reduction and bone healing on postoperative radiographs.