Stabilization of canine ilial body fractures using an anatomically contoured locking iliac plate: A short retrospective case series

Objective To report the clinical outcomes of canine ilial body fractures stabilized with a newly designed, anatomically 3.5 mm Steelvet Iliac Locking Plate. Study design Retrospective case series. Animals Ten client-owned dogs treated between 2023 and 2024. Methods Medical records and orthogonal pelvic radiographs were reviewed for signalment, fracture configuration, surgical findings, time to radiographic union, postoperative sacral index (SI), complications, and limb function. Continuous variables were summarized as median (interquartile range, IQR), mean ± standard deviation (SD), and range; categorical variables as counts and proportions with Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Median age was 3.5 years (IQR 2.25–5.75; range 0.75–10) and median body weight 32.0 kg (IQR 28.3–38.5; range 21–52). Median time to radiographic union was 60 days (IQR 60–62.5; range 60–97). Six of ten dogs (60%; 95% CI 31.3–83.2%) achieved union by 60 days. One dog (10%; 95% CI 1.8–40.4%) developed a cutaneous fistula that resolved within seven days of plate removal after fracture healing. The SI was within normal limits in all dogs at final follow-up, and limb function was normal in 10/10 dogs. Conclusions In this small case series, stabilization of canine ilial body fractures with the dedicated 3.5 mm Steelvet Iliac Locking Plate was associated with reliable bone healing, a low complication rate, and preserved pelvic canal dimensions. Clinical significance: A dedicated, anatomically contoured locking plate is a feasible option for fixation of canine ilial body fractures, conforming to the iliac surface with no or minimal intraoperative contouring and allowing straightforward application. Larger comparative studies are warranted.