Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat broken lower leg bone fixed with four-pin surgery technique
By Miraldo, Diogo et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2020·Fitzpatrick Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline Distal Tibial Physeal Fracture Repair Using a Modified Cross-Pin Technique with Four Pins.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 9 cats with fractures in the lower leg (distal tibial physeal fractures) underwent surgery using a special technique that involved placing four pins to stabilize the bone without needing a cast afterward. All the cats healed well, with eight showing excellent recovery and one showing good recovery after about 12.7 months. Two cats needed a follow-up procedure to remove pins that had shifted and were causing issues. Overall, this surgical method proved to be effective and safe for treating this type of fracture in cats.
People also search for: cat leg fracture treatment · feline tibial fracture recovery · cat surgery pin removal · cat orthopedic surgery outcomes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this article was to report the surgical technique and clinical outcome of a modified cross-pin technique for the treatment of distal tibial physeal fractures in cats without postoperative external coaptation. STUDY DESIGN:  This study was a retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS:  A total of 9 cats were presented with fracture of the distal tibial physis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Medical records from July 2014 to September 2018 were reviewed. In all cases, a second medial and a craniolateral Kirschner wires were added to the traditional cross-pin technique. Information reviewed included orthogonal radiographs pre- and post-surgery and at subsequent re-examinations, subjective assessment of lameness and passive range of motion, veterinary clinical assessment and completion of a functional questionnaire (feline musculoskeletal pain index) at the time of writing this report. Eight owners completed the questionnaire. The mean questionnaire follow-up time was 12.7 months. RESULTS:  Uncomplicated fracture healing occurred in all patients. Two patients required implant removal due to Kirschner wire migration and protrusion through the skin at 5 and 12 months post-surgery. No other complications were noticed. Eight patients had an excellent outcome, and one patient had a good outcome. CONCLUSION:  Distal tibial physeal fractures in cats can be treated successfully with the use of a modified cross-pin technique and without the use of external coaptation. Prognosis should be considered favourable for this type of fracture.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32023630/