Francesco Collivignarelli

This retrospective two-center study describes clinical and radiographic outcomes in dogs weighing up to 10 kg undergoing surgical stabilization of radius–ulna fractures using either the Vitcone^® locking system (Group A) or the Veterinary Instrumentation (Vi^®) locking system (Group B) between January of 2021 and December of 2025. Fractures were stabilized with open reduction and internal fixation using a cranio-medial or cranio-lateral approach. Ninety-three dogs met the inclusion criteria (59 in Group A, 34 in Group B). In Group A, the cranio-lateral approach was used in 57% of cases and the cranio-medial approach in 43%, whereas Group B relied exclusively on the cranio-medial approach. At the 12-week recheck, radiographic healing was assessed by two independent observers using a Visual Assessment Scale (VAS), with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) > 0.75 in both groups. Implant removal was performed following the surgeon’s assessment in 68% of dogs in Group A and 36% in Group B. Major complications occurred in 8.4% of dogs in Group A, with one implant breakage and four refractures following implant removal, and three refractures occurred in Group B. Long-term owner follow-up, when available, indicated satisfactory limb use in daily activities. This study provides clinically useful observational data on the application of Vitcone^® and Vi^® locking systems for stabilizing radius–ulna fractures in small-breed dogs, suggesting their role as viable options in routine surgical practice.

This retrospective study evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes in dogs wei-ghing < 10 kg undergoing surgical stabilization of radius–ulna fractures using either the Vitcone® internal fixator system (Group A) or Veterinary Instrumentation locking plates (Group B) between January 2021 and December 2025. Dogs were included if they presented with complete diaphyseal or metaphyseal fractures without concurrent orthopedic or neurological disease. Preoperative radiographs were assessed by two independent observers, and fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation using craniomedial or craniolateral approach. Postoperative care included re-stricted activity for six weeks and standardized lameness scoring at the eight week re-check. Radiographic healing was evaluated using a Visual Assessment Scale (VAS), and interobserver agreement was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Ninety three dogs met inclusion criteria (59 in Group A, 34 in Group B). Most fractures resulted from low energy trauma and involved the distal metaphysis or diaphysis. In Group A 52/59 dogs showed a lameness score of 0/4 at eight weeks. Group B showed similar recovery in 26/34 dogs, although 5/34 exhibited ROM re-duction. Radiographic healing was comparable between groups, with cortical brid-ging typically observed within eight weeks and excellent interobserver agreement (ICC > 0.75). Major complications occurred in 5/59 (8.4%) dogs in Group A, 4/5 re-fractures after early implant removal in young, small dogs and 1/5 implant breakage. Group B showed a significantly similar major complication rates including refractures in 3/34 (8%). No differences were statistically observed (p > 0.05). Owner follow up confirmed complete weight bearing in all contacted cases. These findings suggest that small breed dogs with radial fractures treated with Vitcone® fixation, have similar cli-nical outcome of those achieved with Veterinary Instrumentation system.