EXPRESS: FLUOROSCOPY-ASSISTED SINGLE CANNULATED SCREW PLACEMENT FOR STABILISATION OF BILATERAL SACROILIAC JOINT LUXATION IN SIX CATS: TECHNIQUE AND OUTCOME.

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.