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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Sacroiliac joint dislocation fixed with screws in 40 cats

By Shales, Chris et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2010·Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Stabilization of sacroiliac luxation in 40 cats using screws inserted in lag fashion.

Species:
cat
Movement & jointsCats

Plain-English summary

A group of 40 cats with sacroiliac luxation, which is a dislocation of the joint connecting the spine and pelvis, underwent surgery where screws were used to stabilize the joint. The study found that screws needed to be inserted to a depth of at least 60% of the sacral width to effectively prevent loosening. Most cats had successful outcomes, with a significant number showing stability after the procedure. This information can help veterinarians ensure better surgical results for cats with this type of injury.

People also search for: cat sacroiliac luxation treatment · cat surgery screw fixation · why is my cat limping after surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To (1) identify prognostic indicators for stability after stabilization of sacroiliac luxation with screws inserted in lag fashion and (2) report dorsoventral dimensions of the sacrum in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cats (n=40) with sacroiliac luxation. METHODS: Case records and radiographs of cats presented at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital Cambridge and the Royal Veterinary College Hatfield for screw fixation of sacroiliac luxation were reviewed. Dorsoventral dimensions of 15 feline cadaveric sacral bodies were measured to identify the appropriate implant size for use in fixation with screws inserted in lag fashion. RESULTS: Of 40 cats, 13 had left, 14 right, and 13 bilateral sacroiliac luxations. Of 48 screws analyzed, 42 (87.5%) were placed within the sacral body or exited ventrally and 6 (12.5%) were considered malpositioned. Screw purchase within the sacrum was statistically different between unstable and stable repairs (P=.001). Using confidence intervals for screw length within the sacrum and effect on stability, the lowest screw depth that contained 95% of the screws that did not loosen was approximately 60% of the sacral width. Mean dorsoventral sacral dimension at its narrowest point was 5.9+/-1.14 mm. There was no significant difference in the incidence of implant loosening between those luxations that were 100% reduced and those that were <100% reduced (P=.7837). CONCLUSIONS: Screw purchase within the feline sacrum of at least 60% of the sacral width significantly reduces the risk of loosening. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Screw placement to a depth of 60% of the width of the feline sacrum is recommended.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20459497/