This study aims to evaluate the clinical application of three-dimensional (3D)-printed custom reduction guides (3DRG) for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of short oblique radial diaphyseal fractures. Canine forelimb specimens (n = 24) were prepared and a diaphyseal short oblique fracture was simulated in the distal radius and ulna. Bone fragments were stabilized with the MIPO technique using a 3DRG (Group A), open reduction (Group B), or closed reduction with circular external skeletal fixation (ESF) (Group C). The diaphyseal short oblique fractures were created in each radius at one-third of the radial length from the distal radial articular surface. Surgical stabilization of the fractures was performed in each group. Pre and postoperative radiographic images were obtained to measure frontal angulation (FA), sagittal angulation (SA), frontal joint reference line angulation (fJRLA), sagittal joint reference line angulation (sJRLA), translational malalignment and fracture gap width. Surgical time was also measured. In the homogeneity test, differences in SA, sJRLA, craniocaudal translation and fracture gap before and after surgery had no significant difference among the three groups. On the other hand, differences in FA, fJRLA, mediolateral translation and surgical time before and after surgery had significant differences among the three groups. In the post hoc test, only surgical time showed a significant difference between the three groups, and group A showed the shortest surgical time. The use of 3DRG for MIPO of short oblique radial diaphyseal fractures in dogs is reliable for the alignment and apposition of fractures and reduces surgical time.
Keywords: 3D-printed reduction guide; dog; minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis; radial fracture; reduction.