Biomechanical Analysis of Bone Plate Fixation in Canine Femoral Fractures: A Comparative Study at Nigerian Teaching Hospitals

Internal fixation using bone plates is increasingly employed for managing comminuted and unstable femoral fractures in dogs, yet comparative biomechanical analysis of plate systems under Nigerian clinical conditions is lacking. This study empirically evaluates the biomechanical performance, healing outcomes, and complication rates of dynamic compression plates versus locking compression plates in canine femoral fracture repair across three Nigerian teaching hospitals in the South East, South West, and North Central zones between 2021 and 2024. Forty-two dogs with confirmed diaphyseal femoral fractures requiring plate fixation were enrolled and randomly assigned to treatment groups. Postoperative radiographic assessments were performed at two, six, and twelve weeks. Biomechanical outcomes including callus formation rate, implant stability, and time to full weight-bearing were compared between groups. Serum bone turnover markers were measured at baseline and at postoperative weeks two and six. Locking compression plates demonstrated superior rotational stability and earlier radiographic evidence of cortical bridging in comminuted fracture patterns. Complication rates were statistically comparable between groups, with implant loosening occurring in 14% of dynamic compression plate cases versus 5% of locking plate cases. Time to full weight-bearing was significantly shorter in the locking plate group. These findings provide the first empirical comparative data on plate systems for canine orthopedic surgery in Nigeria and advocate for greater availability of locking implant systems at teaching hospital surgical units. Keywords: bone plate fixation, canine femoral fracture, locking compression plate, osteosynthesis, orthopedic surgery.