Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications and outcomes of K-wire surgery for wrist fractures
By Brioschi, Valentina et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2017·1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Combined physeal fractures of the distal radius and ulna: complications associated with K-wire fixation and long-term prognosis in six cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of six cats with fractures in their lower front legs (the radius and ulna) were treated with a type of surgical fixation using K-wires. While some cats experienced complications like reduced movement in their wrists and issues with the wires, all the owners reported that their cats had excellent long-term recovery outcomes, ranging from 12 months to 7 years after surgery. The study suggests that K-wire fixation can be effective for these types of fractures, especially if the wires are removed after the bones heal to prevent further issues.
People also search for: cat leg fracture treatment · K-wire fixation in cats · cat wrist movement problems · cat fracture recovery time
Abstract
Objectives The objective was to describe the complications and long-term outcome associated with Kirschner (K)-wire fixation of combined distal radial and ulnar physeal fractures in six cats. Methods Medical records (2002-2014) of six referral institutions were searched for cats with combined distal radial and ulnar physeal fractures. Cases with complete clinical files, radiographs and surgical records were retrospectively reviewed. Long-term outcome was assessed via telephone interviews using an owner questionnaire. Results Complete files were available for 6/9 identified cases (cases 1-6). All fractures were classified as Salter-Harris type I or II. Five cases underwent open reduction and internal fixation via cross-pinning of the distal radius and intramedullary pinning of the ulna (cases 1-3); fixation of the distal radial and ulnar physes with one K-wire each (case 4); and K-wire fixation of the radial physis in combination with two transulnoradial K-wires (case 5). One case underwent closed reduction and percutaneous cross-pinning of the distal radius under fluoroscopic guidance (case 6). The complications encountered were: reduced radiocarpal range of motion (ROM) (cases 1, 3, 4, 5); implant loosening/migration (cases 1, 2, 5); and radioulnar synostosis (case 4). None of the cats developed angular limb deformity. Long-term outcome (12 months to 7 years after surgery) was graded as 'excellent' by the owners in all cases. Conclusions and relevance Prognosis is favourable for feline combined distal radial and ulnar physeal fractures following K-wire fixation in cats over 7 months of age. Implant removal after bony union is recommended to minimise reduction in ROM and to prevent implant loosening/migration.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27354228/