Use of reconstruction plates for repair of acetabular fractures in 16 dogs

Acetabular fractures in 16 dogs were repaired using reconstruction plates. Notches cut into the plate permitted contouring in three planes to facilitate accurate articular reconstruction. There were three cranial, seven central, one caudal and five comminuted acetabular fractures. These acetabular fractures were invariably associated with multiple pelvic fractures. Repair of nonacetabular fracture/luxation was indicated in 10 cases. Follow-up information was available for 15 dogs, of which 12 (80 per cent) had an excellent or good outcome. Fracture configuration and the presence of multiple fractures did not influence prognosis. Two dogs died suddenly, late in convalescence, but the cause of death was not established.