Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
External skeletal fixation to fix pelvic fractures in cats
By Fitzpatrick, Noel et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2024·Fitzpatrick Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: External skeletal fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 125 cats with pelvic fractures underwent a treatment called external skeletal fixation (ESF) to stabilize their injuries. After surgery, the cats showed no major complications, and most were able to regain their mobility, with a high average mobility score reported during follow-up. The frames used for stabilization were typically removed about 37 days after surgery, and while some pins were found to be loose, there were no long-term issues reported. Overall, the use of ESF proved to be an effective method for treating pelvic fractures in cats.
People also search for: cat pelvic fracture treatment · external skeletal fixation for cats · cat recovery after pelvic surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the technique and the outcome for the repair of pelvic fractures in cats using external skeletal fixation (ESF). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned cats (n = 125). METHODS: Medical records of cats with pelvic fractures, treated with an ESF between June 2001 and June 2009, were reviewed. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and more than 4 weeks' postoperative radiographs were compared. Clinical examination was performed 4 to 9 weeks following surgery. Longer term follow up (4 to 80 months) was conducted by client questionnaire. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred. There was no change in the pelvic canal width observed on follow-up radiographs (p = .16). Implant loosening was noted on follow-up radiographs in 16/125 (13%) of cases, and 67/803 (8%) pins were palpably loose at the time of frame removal. The mean time to frame removal was 37 ± 9 days. No long-term complications were reported. Long-term mean mobility score was 95 ± 5 and median lameness was 0 (range: 0-2). CONCLUSION: An ESF may be successfully applied for the stabilization of various pelvic fractures in cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The application of an ESF for the management of pelvic fractures in cats provides good outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38952025/