Patella fractures in cats with persistent deciduous teeth — Knees and Teeth Syndrome (KaTS)

Abstract

Most patellar fractures are seen in young female and male cats aged between 1–3 years. Many affected cats have a history of persistent or retained deciduous teeth, and in some cats their permanent teeth also do not erupt properly. The patellar fractures are usually unilateral at first presentation but become bilateral within 3–9 months. Pin and tension band wire fixation is associated with a high complication rate and often results in further fragmentation of the patella. A technique that does not involve inserting an implant into the sclerotic patella, such as circumferential wiring, tension band without a pin, or a tibial quadriceps repair may be beneficial, but conservative treatment can yield equally good results and is inevitably associated with a lower complication rate. Further work is needed before definitive statements can be made regarding the best treatment for this condition, as there are too low numbers or too many variables in the published retrospective studies. Many affected cats will fracture other bones as they age. An underlying bone or connective tissue disease is suspected in cats with patellar fractures and persistent deciduous teeth, and for ease of discussion and case recruitment the disease has been termed knees and teeth syndrome or KaTS.