Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fluoroscopy-guided screw surgery for cats with sacroiliac joint
By Savy, Romane Marie et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2026·Centre Hospitalier Vé, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: EXPRESS: FLUOROSCOPY-ASSISTED SINGLE CANNULATED SCREW PLACEMENT FOR STABILISATION OF BILATERAL SACROILIAC JOINT LUXATION IN SIX CATS: TECHNIQUE AND OUTCOME.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Six cats were treated for a serious condition called bilateral sacroiliac luxation, where the joints connecting the spine to the pelvis become dislocated. A special technique using fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) helped place screws to stabilize the joints. Most cats recovered well, with five out of six showing excellent to moderate improvement in their ability to move. The recovery times varied, with some cats fully recovering in less than a month, while others took longer. Overall, the treatment was successful, and most owners reported good quality of life for their pets afterward.
People also search for: cat limping after injury · cat joint dislocation treatment · sacroiliac joint luxation in cats · cat recovery from surgery · fluoroscopy for cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the step-by-step fluoroscopy-assisted percutaneous placement of a cannulated screw (FAPPCS) for the fixation of bilateral sacroiliac luxation (SIL). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client owned cats (n=6): The medical records of cats diagnosed with bilateral SIL treated using FAPPCS technique were reviewed. Signalment, concurrent orthopedic lesions, size of implant, pre- and postoperative imaging including measurements of screw placement, percentage of reduction (PoR) and pelvic canal width ratio (PCWR), hospitalization time and recovery time were documented. Short- and longterm outcomes were assessed through standard postoperative clinical exam, X-Ray, and owner questionnaire. RESULTS: Six cats were treated for bilateral SIL. One minor functional complication (lameness) resolved spontaneously. No major complications were reported. Joint reduction was good (right side 96.2%±6.6%, left side 98.8±2.9%). The mean absolute angle of deviation (AoD) was 1.3°. Pelvic canal diameter showed no significant modification. Intra-operative fluoroscopy did not reveal any cranial, ventral, or foraminal impingement. Long-term follow-ups exams revealed excellent and moderate functional recuperation in 5/6 and 1/6 cases, respectively. Recovery times were satisfactory: 16.6% fully recovered within 1 month, 50% between 1 and 2 months, and 33.3% took more than 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: FAPPCS technique without the use of a guide is a viable salvage procedure for bilateral SIL in cats. Post-operative management and quality of life were considered good by most owners. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When performing fluoroscopy-assisted bilateral SIL treatment, we recommend targeting the center of the body of the sacrum before any attempt to reduce the ilium.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42080347/