Internal Fixation Using Vitcone® Locking-Plate System for Fractures of Radius and Ulna in Toy- and Small-Breed Dogs: A Retrospective Two-Center Clinical Study

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.