Short-term outcome after treatment of talocrural instability in cats using modified type II transarticular external skeletal fixation

Abstract

Transarticular external skeletal fixation (TESF) is repeatedly used for temporary stabilisation of tarsal joint in cats. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the use of temporary modified type II TESF for management of talocrural instability (TCI) in cats without joint arthrodesis and to rate short-term outcomes and complications. Medical records of all cats treated for TCI between January 2012 and December 2021 were reviewed. Information was collected including signalment, degree of lameness, type of TCI, accompanying soft tissue and bone injuries, and post-operative follow-up assessment including time of frame removal, complications, degree of lameness, range of joint motion and ankylosis. Surgical management didn’t involve debridement of the articular cartilage. Eighty-five percent of cats had satisfactory joint stability at the time of frame removal. Eighteen cats exhibited minor complications, six cats had major complications, and 8 cats showed persistent lameness. All cats showed reduction of joint motion range by 20°–30° directly after frame removal while returned to normal in 79% of cats 4 weeks later. Variable degrees of joint ankylosis were reported. In conclusion, this study supports the use of temporary modified type II TESF for management of TCI in cats without joint involvement as an excellent alternative to tarsal arthrodesis.