Case Presentation

A rabbit was presented to Prof. Dr. Björn Meij and the orthopedic team at Utrecht University with a complete, displaced fracture of the radius and ulna.

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Clinical Challenge

Forelimb fractures in rabbits are particularly challenging due to the small size of the bones and minimal soft tissue coverage. The surgical priority was to achieve stable fixation while minimizing implant prominence beneath the skin to avoid postoperative complications.

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Approach and Fixation

Using a standard dorsal approach, the fracture was reduced while carefully preserving the local blood supply. For stabilization, Prof. Dr. Björn Meij selected a LeiLOX 1.5 mm titanium locking plate.

In very small patients, conventional plating relies on friction between the plate and bone, which can be difficult to achieve reliably in the thin-walled rabbit radius. The LeiLOX locking system provides fixed-angle stability, maintaining alignment without requiring excessive compression against the bone. This is particularly advantageous in fragile species where every millimeter of bone stock matters.

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Recovery and Outcome

The plate was secured to the radial shaft, providing stable fixation of the radius and indirect stabilization of the ulna. Postoperative radiographs confirmed restored alignment and precise screw placement, allowing the patient to return to early partial weight-bearing during the recovery phase. Thanks to the low-profile design of the system, implant prominence was kept to a minimum, which is critical for successful healing in small exotic species.

This case demonstrates that the LeiLOX system offers a reliable solution beyond canine and feline patients, providing the precision and stability required for the complex anatomy of smaller exotic animals.

7 Website banner - Stable Fixation in a Rabbit Forelimb Fracture

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SPECIAL THANKS to Prof. Dr. Björn Meij for sharing this Case with us.

Implant System used: LeiLOX 1.5 mm Micro Titanium Fracture Locking System

Manufacturer: Rita Leibinger Medical

Surgery by: Prof. Dr. Björn Meij (Utrecht University), Netherlands

About Utrecht University

Sharing science. Shaping tomorrow.

Located in Utrecht, Utrecht University is the largest university in the Netherlands. As of 2022, it was home to 37,675 students and 8,584 employees. Founded on March 26, 1636, it stands as one of the oldest universities in the country.

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About the

LeiLOX 1.5/2.0 Micro System

Versatility through variety

Featuring over 62 different plates, the LeiLOX 1.5 / 2.0 Locking Plate System offers unparalleled flexibility to address a wide spectrum of fracture cases. From Y-Plates to L-Plates, Bridge Plates, Standard Plates, Cuttable 20-hole Plates, and a myriad of Challenger Plates, the LeiLOX system provides a diverse range of options to suit every surgical need - from maxillofacial and pelvic fractures, to the fixation of long tubular bones.

Titanium for Best Biocompatibility

Made of medical grade Titanium, the LeiLOX Micro implants are very durable but lightweight, highly biocompatible, and low in temperature sensitiveness. All these collectively contribute to long-term surgical success.

All-in-One Set

The LeiLOX 1.5/2.0 Micro System is the “swiss army knife” for micro fractures: it contains not only (cuttable) standard plates, but also unique shapes for complex anatomy. Available in four different compact sets: LeiLOX 1.5/2.0 Osteosynthesis Locking Set ,and 1.5/2.0 Challenger Set, 1.5 Osteosynthesis Locking Set, and the 2.0 Osteosynthesis Locking Set.

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