Bone plate removal in dogs and cats

The medical records and radiographs of 255 consecutive bone plate applicati ons were reviewed. Thirteen percent of the bone plates were removed. Remova l of bone plates was most often performed for carpal, tibial, femoral and h umeral constructs. Only 9.4% of plates were applied to the tibia and the ta rsus, but 27% of plate removals were performed for these skeletal regions. The most common reason for plate removal was construct instability. Factors often associated with unstable constructs included multiple limb injuries. fracture comminution, empty screw holes, engagement of an inadequate numbe r of cortices proximal or distal to the fracture and failure to use cancell ous bone autograft. Other reasons for plate removal included infection. sof t tissue irritation, and chronic lameness.