THE USE OF VETERINARY CUTTABLE PLATES - 21 CASES

Over a five-year period, fractures in five cats and 16 dogs were repai red using veterinary cuttable plates. The bones involved were flat or small requiring smaller-size plates. Sixty-eight percent of the fractu res were comminuted, frequently in areas minimally covered with soft t issues. There were four pelvic fractures, six long-bone fractures, 18 metacarpal (tarsal) fractures, and three arthrodesis procedures. Plate lengths ranged from 3 to 17 holes, and one case required two stacked plates for added support. Follow-up radiographs showed excellent heali ng of all cases. Uses and advantages of these plates are discussed.