Comparison of cranial versus medial minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis applications for the stabilization of simulated radius and ulna fractures in dog cadavers.

Background: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an emerging fracture management modality in small animal orthopedics. Although cranial plate application has been consistently advocated when performing radial MIPO, medial plating affords several purported advantages including improved screw purchase through the wider medial-to-lateral dimension of the radius, the potential to use smaller plates allowing more screws per unit length, and avoidance of extensor tendons which can complicate cranial plate placement in distal diaphyseal or metaphyseal fractures.

Aim: To compare cranial versus medial MIPO applications for the stabilization of diaphyseal radius and ulna fractures in dog cadavers.