Treating nonunion bone fractures in cats with external fixation

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiologic findings in the treatment of live oligotrophic and pseudoarthrosis nonunions in cats using a linear external fixator. METHODS: The study included 10 cats of various breeds, ages, and sexes that had previously undergone osteosynthesis at another clinic but did not achieve successful results. These cats were diagnosed with nonunion based on clinical and radiographic examinations conducted at the Clinic of the Surgery Department, Siirt University Animal Health Practice and Research Hospital between 2022 and 2023. All included cats presented with clinical and radiographic signs of nonunion fractures. The fractures were categorized as oligotrophic or pseudoarthrosis types of nonunion, requiring further surgical intervention. RESULTS: All 10 cats recovered successfully without severe complications. Bone healing was completed within an average of 57.8 days, ranging from 47 to 71 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the effectiveness of linear external fixation in treating nonunion fractures in cats. The method demonstrated a high success rate, with all cases recovering fully. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tailoring the treatment to the animal's size, fracture location, and nonunion classification makes this approach a valuable clinical tool for veterinarians managing such cases.