Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat ankle fusion surgery using pre-shaped dorsal plates and long-term
By Fitzpatrick, N et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2013·Noel Fitzpatrick, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline pantarsal arthrodesis using pre-contoured dorsal plates applied according to the principles of percutaneous plate arthrodesis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old cat with a severe tarsal injury underwent a special surgery called pantarsal arthrodesis (PTA), which involved using a custom-made plate to stabilize the joint. After the surgery, there was a minor complication where the surgical site opened up, but this was fixed with sedation and re-stitching. Over time, most cats returned to their normal activities, and long-term follow-ups showed that six out of seven cats had complete healing of the joint. Even a cat that had a plate breakage was able to return to normal activity.
People also search for: cat tarsal injury surgery · pantarsal arthrodesis recovery · cat joint surgery complications
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique for pantarsal arthrodesis (PTA) in cats according to the principles of percutaneous plate arthrodesis with application of a pre-contoured dorsal plate, without external coaptation and to report the long-term clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of all cats treated by percutaneous plate application using a new pre-contoured dorsal plate for PTA between 2008 and 2011. Inclusion criteria were clinical and radiographic records plus clinical follow-up to at least six weeks. Data recorded included signalment, indication for surgery, postoperative care, and complications encountered. Radiographs were assessed for arthrodesis progression and complications. Outcome was assessed using an owner questionnaire. RESULTS: Eleven cats were treated for tarsal injuries and met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 86 ± 45 months, weight 4.50 ± 0.92 kg. The only major short-term complication encountered was wound dehiscence requiring sedation and re-suturing. In the medium-term (23.3 months ± 11.6 months) eight out of nine cats returned to normal activity and one cat showed intermittent lameness. Long-term (34.3 months ±17.5 months) radiographic evaluation was performed in seven out of nine cats; six manifested complete arthrodesis and one sustained plate breakage. Based on owner questionnaire, all nine cats returned to normal activity in the long-term, even the case with plate breakage. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, PTA using a custom pre-contoured dorsal plate is a suitable salvage surgery for treatment of severe tarsal injuries in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23612609/