Clinical Evaluation and Early Outcome Assessment of the Vetkiss Microlocking Plate System

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical applications of the novel IMEX VetKISS microlocking plate system and assess early clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods: Medical records and radiographs from 50 cases stabilized using the VetKISS system at three institutions were reviewed. Demographic data, indication for bone plating, bone stabilized, implants used, fixation technique, radiographic follow-up, and complications were evaluated.

Results: The VetKISS system was applied in toy breed dogs, cats, a ferret, and a meerkat with body weights less than 8 kg for the purposes of arthrodesis, corrective osteotomy and fracture fixation of all major long bones, a vertebra and the mandible. The overall complication rate with the VetKISS system was 30% (18% major and 12% minor). The mean time to radiographic union was 45.8 days.

Discussion/Conclusion: The VetKISS microlocking plate system had a similar complication rate and mean time to radiographic union in this study compared with complication rates and healing times reported for other miniature locking plate systems used in similar patients. Our results suggest that the VetKISS system can be applied successfully to stabilize fractures, arthrodeses, and corrective osteotomies in patients weighing less than 8 kg.

Acknowledgment: No proprietary interest or funding was provided.