Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat long-bone fractures fixed with 3.5 mm titanium nails
By Mund, Georg Michael et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2023·Department of Small Animal Surgery, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of Feline Femoral, Tibial and Humeral Fractures Using a 3.5 mm Titanium Interlocking Nail.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with broken leg bones underwent surgery using a special titanium nail to help stabilize their fractures. Out of 67 cats treated, 11 experienced complications, including issues like broken screws and nails, and some fractures did not heal properly. Despite these challenges, the use of the titanium interlocking nail was generally effective for treating complex fractures in cats. Most cats were able to recover after the procedure, although some required additional care due to complications.
People also search for: cat broken leg treatment · titanium nail for cat fracture · cat surgery complications
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  Our objectives were to report complications associated with stabilization of long-bone fractures in cats using a 3.5-mm titanium interlocking nail and to examine the influences of signalment, fracture type and fixation evaluations on the occurrence of complications. STUDY DESIGN:  Retrospective clinical study. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  Medical and radiographic records of cats with long-bone fractures treated with an interlocking nail were reviewed. Data included age, sex, weight, cause of the fracture, fractured bone(s) and fracture type. Complications were classified as minor and major complications. Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression analysis were used to test whether certain variables of signalment and interlocking nail configuration had an effect on the occurrence of complications. RESULTS:  Sixty-seven fractures of 67 cats were examined in this study. Forty-eight femora, sixteen tibiae and three humeri were included. Complications occurred in 11/67 fractures. Major complications occurred in 8/67 fractures and included screw breakage ( = 3), nail breakage ( = 2), nail bending ( = 1), screw loosening ( = 1), non-union (n = 1). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between fracture types and the occurrence of major complications ( = 0.02). CONCLUSION:  In conclusion, use of this commercially available standard 3.5-mm titanium interlocking nail for stabilization of comminuted and oblique humeral, femoral and tibial fractures in cats is feasible.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36150695/