Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of long-term locking plate fixation on the cortical bone of the canine radius. Locking compression plates were fixed to the left and right radius in dogs (n = 3). The left radius was fixed with a locking head screw (Locking Plate group, LP). The locking compression plate was compressed periosteally in the right radius using a cortex screw (Compression Plate group, CP). Radial bones from dogs that were euthanized for other purposes were collected as an untreated control group (Control group). After euthanasia at 36 weeks following plate fixation, radial bones were evaluated for bone mineral density and underwent histological analysis. Bone metabolic markers were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analyses were performed for comparisons between groups. The LP group showed no significant difference in bone mineral density after plate fixation, whereas the CP group showed significantly lower bone mineral density. Histological analysis indicated that the number of osteoclasts and rate of empty lacunae increased significantly in the CP group relative to the Control and LP groups. qPCR analysis indicated increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 11 in the CP group, whereas Runt-related transcription factor 2, an osteoblast marker, was similar in all groups. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the CP group was also increased relative to that in the Control and LP groups. Thus, locking plate fixation is a biologically superior fixation method that does not cause implant-induced osteoporosis in the bone in the long term.
Highlights
In cases of small animal orthopedic surgery, internal fixation with conventional plates and screws is a reliable treatment method for long bone fractures [1, 2]
In the field of small animal orthopedics, internal fixation using conventional plates and screws is a useful treatment for radial fractures [19], IIO is a common complication of internal fixation using conventional plates and screws, especially in small breed dogs
In contrast to the Locking Plate (LP) group, the Compression Plate (CP) group exhibited thinning of the cranial cortical bone after 12 weeks, and a reduction in bone mineral density, decrease cortical bone area in the radial cranial area, increase in the osteoclast number, and Tnfsf11 expression in the radius just below the plate after 36 weeks. These results were considered to be a continuation of the effects of cortical osteonecrosis due to impaired periosteal blood flow after plate placement, which has been reported to occur at 8–12 weeks postoperatively [4]
Summary
In cases of small animal orthopedic surgery, internal fixation with conventional plates and screws is a reliable treatment method for long bone fractures [1, 2]. Application of conventional plates and screws induces structural changes in the bone, with cortical. Long-term plate fixation with different fixation modes and the radial cortical bone in dogs
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