The Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS): A Retrospective Evaluation in 71 Small Animal Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of the Advanced Locking Plate System (ALPS) in dogs and cats and report outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n 09= 0929) and cats (n 09= 0942). METHODS: The medical records (April 2007-April 2010) of dogs and cats treated with ALPS were reviewed evaluated. Data retrieved included signalment, indication for surgery, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: ALPS was used for 54 fractures, 12 tarsal or carpal ligament injuries and in 6 cases, to prevent or treat fractures during total hip replacement. Complications needing revision surgery occurred in 4 cases (5.5%): fixation failure was identified in 3 (2 fracture-fixations, 1 pancarpal arthrodesis), and a fracture occurred through a screw hole. The most common complication after tarsal arthrodesis was suture dehiscence. All cases had healed by study end. CONCLUSIONS: ALPS offers a reliable alternative for fracture treatment and some other orthopedic conditions in small animals.