Pancarpal and pantarsal arthrodesis applications using compression plates in dogs

Pancarpal arthrodesis was carried out in 6 dogs and pantarsal arthrodesis in 3 dogs, which could not use their extremities due to various reasons. For arthrodesis, 3 and 4 mm thick compression plates were used. The application was done on the dorsal aspect. Fusion was radiographically seen to have formed between post-operative 45–75 days in 10 joints belonging to 9 cases. The plate broke in one case. With the exception of 1 case, functional recovery was achieved in all cases accompanied with varying degrees of lameness. While the material was removed from 1 case in which the plate broke and another in which a chronic wound developed in the operation site, plates were not removed from any of the other cases.