The effect of plate fixation on supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium: a model of pancarpal arthrodesis

Rachel M Basa,Matthew J Allen,Kenneth A Johnson

doi:10.1186/s12917-021-02767-3

Rachel M Basa, Matthew J Allen + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02767-3

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Abstract

BackgroundPancarpal arthrodesis is purported to limit supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium. The objective of this study was to investigate whether plate fixation of the radius to the carpus and metacarpus limits supination and pronation of the ulna relative to the radius as a model for pancarpal arthrodesis in the cat. Eight feline cadaveric forelimbs were rotated from supination to pronation in a testing jig and CT (computed tomography) was performed in the neutral, supinated and pronated positions. A locking plate was then secured dorsally to the radius, radial carpal bone and metacarpal III of each of the limbs. CT was repeated in each of the testing positions following plate application. The radius and ulna of the control specimens, and the radius, ulna and plate of the plated specimens were then segmented using software. Alignment of the bones to the radius in the control specimens, and to the plate in the plated specimens was used to compare the changes in degrees of movement of the ulna relative to the radius in dorsal, sagittal and transverse planes.ResultsBased on the results of the paired t test, there was no significant difference in degrees of movement, or total range of motion between control and plated specimens in supinated and pronated testing conditions.ConclusionThe results of this ex-vivo study indicate that under the testing conditions employed, plate fixation of the radius to the carpus and metacarpus does not limit supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium.

Highlights

Pancarpal arthrodesis is purported to limit supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium
Cats normally have a greater degree of supination and pronation than dogs – this is considered important for activities such as jumping, climbing and grooming [1, 3,4,5]
It is well recognised that pancarpal arthrodesis eliminates normal flexion and extension of the carpus, there are no definitive studies demonstrating that this surgery affects supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium

Summary

Introduction

Pancarpal arthrodesis is purported to limit supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium. The objective of this study was to investigate whether plate fixation of the radius to the carpus and metacarpus limits supination and pronation of the ulna relative to the radius as a model for pancarpal arthrodesis in the cat. Cats normally have a greater degree of supination and pronation than dogs – this is considered important for activities such as jumping, climbing and grooming [1, 3,4,5]. It is well recognised that pancarpal arthrodesis eliminates normal flexion and extension of the carpus, there are no definitive studies demonstrating that this surgery affects supination and pronation of the feline antebrachium

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