Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery to fix complex hip fractures in four cats and their recovery
By Rustemeyer, Linus & Schmierer, Philipp A·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2025·Tierklinik Posthausen eGbR, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Complete vastus release to repair complex proximal femoral fractures: description and follow-up in four cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Four domestic cats with serious leg injuries from high-energy trauma were treated for complex fractures in their upper thigh bones. They all underwent surgery that involved a special technique to give the vet a better view and access to the fracture site. After the surgery, three of the cats healed well and showed no pain, while one cat needed another surgery. Unfortunately, two of the cats later died from unrelated injuries, but the surgical method used helped the others recover successfully.
People also search for: cat leg fracture surgery · cat femur fracture recovery · cat pain after surgery · how to help cat heal from surgery
Abstract
Case series summaryFour domestic cats treated surgically for complex fractures of the proximal femur were included in this retrospective case series. Medical records from October 2021 to January 2023 were reviewed for cats presenting with high-energy trauma resulting in comminuted proximal femoral fractures. All cats underwent surgical stabilisation using a lateral approach extended by complete release of the vastus lateralis muscle to improve visualisation and access. Follow-up included physical and radiographic evaluation and completion of the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI). The modified approach facilitated better visualisation and implant placement. The mean surgical time was 76 mins. Bone healing was observed in three cases with available follow-up, with FMPI scores indicating complete recovery. One case required revision surgery. Minor complications were resolved. Two cats died later from unrelated trauma.Relevance and novel informationComplete release of the vastus lateralis muscle enhanced exposure and facilitated successful treatment of complex proximal femoral fractures in cats without direct approach-related complications. This technique may be beneficial when standard exposure is insufficient in feline proximal femoral fractures.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40937680/