Fractures In Cats Research Articles

Traumatic fracture of the patella in 11 cats

Traumatic patellar fracture in cats mainly occurred in male neutered cats with an average age of four years, six months and a mean weight of 4.8 kg. Patellar fractures were concurrent with long bone fractures and cruciate ligament rupture or occurred after gunshot. The patella luxated medially or laterally in four cats. Fracture fragments were usually small, either from the proximal pole (base) or distal pole (apex) or longitudinal fragments. Treatment was by fragment excision when the fragment was small or by reconstruction with pins and wires when fractures were comminuted. The outcome in six cats was reported as 'good' to 'normal' and three cats were 'improving' or had 'mild' intermittent lameness at the last follow up.

Intramedullary Pinning of Metacarpal and Metatarsal Fractures in Cats Using a Simple Distraction Technique

To describe a simple technique of intramedullary (IM) pinning for open reduction and internal fixation of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats and evaluate outcome. Retrospective study. Cats (n=17). Medical records of cats with metacarpal and metatarsal fractures treated by a specific IM pinning method with Kirschner wires were reviewed. Types of fractures and number of pins used were recorded. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated. Outcome was assessed based on clinical examination, evaluation of radiographs, and owner questionnaire. Seventeen questionnaires were evaluated. Thirteen cats had a final recheck and radiographic assessment. Eight cats were lost to follow-up. Sixteen owners (94%) reported no obvious change in their cat's gait after treatment. One owner reported excellent function in her cat despite a slightly abnormal gait because of bent implants. IM pinning after distraction of bone fragments is a reliable technique for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Complications associated with fracture healing may or may not be associated with lameness. IM pinning used in conjunction with appropriate bandaging for 4 weeks yields excellent functional outcome for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joint damage is prevented using this technique.

Retrograde placement of a novel 3.5 mm titanium interlocking nail for supracondylar and diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats

Twenty-four simple or comminuted supracondylar and diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats, which had been treated by retrograde insertion of a new 3.5 mm titanium interlocking nail (IN) from the intercondylar notch, were evaluated between June 2000 and October 2004 at the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort. Patient data (species, breed, weight, and age), fracture characteristics, details of the surgery, post-operative complications and radiographic follow-up were recorded. The mean body weight was 3.75 kg and the cats ranged in age between four and 66 months (mean 29 months). The IN had a diameter of 3.5 mm and a length of 100, 109 or 119 mm, and were all fixed in a static position (two screws in seven cats, three screws in 10 cats and four screws in seven cats). Cerclage wires were used in seven cats and an autogenous bone graft was used in two cats. Screw or nail breakage were not recorded. Nineteen fractures healed without any complications, three cats died during the post-operative period from unknown causes, and two cats showed delayed bone healing. Twenty cats were considered to have an excellent limb function at one month. One cat with a sciatic injury was non-weight bearing for several months. Radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease of the stifle joint were not observed except in the cat with the sciatic nerve injury. The results of this study suggest that this new 3.5 mm titanium IN can be introduced from the intercondylar notch and be used in static fixation mode to stabilize supracondylar and diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats.

‘Dowel’ pinning for feline metacarpal and metatarsal fractures

The goal of this retrospective study was to describe dowel pinning, and to compare the results of osteosynthesis and external coaptation of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Evaluation of the medical records of 351 cats yielded 63 cats treated with dowel pinning, 35 cats treated with external coaptation and 14 cats treated with both methods within the same limb. All of the cats had been re-evaluated at an average of 2.8 years (six months - 15 years) postoperatively. Dowel pinning was superior to external coaptation when all fractured bones of a limb could be pinned. When internal fixation of multiple fractures was not feasible in all fractured bones due to comminution or fragments that were too short to pin, the outcome was not significantly different from cases treated with external coaptation alone. Malunion was seen in 16% of fractured bones in cats treated with external coaptation and occurred secondary to implant bending in 3% of fractured bones treated with dowel pinning. The latter refers to one operated cat, which had four metacarpal fractures in the same limb. Radiographs taken at re-evaluation showed implant migration within the medullary canal in two cats, although neither showed any signs of non-union or lameness. Non-union was seen in one operated cat, in which the fracture (MC IV) could not be completely reduced with a K-wire. Osteomyelitis did not occur. Dowel pinning is an easy, inexpensive and effective technique for repair of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats.

Interlocking nail treatment of long-bone fractures in cats: 33 cases (1995–2004)

A retrospective study between 1995 and 2004 of fracture repair in cats (n = 46) using interlocking nails (ILN) was made. Only the cases in which clinical and radiographic examination of bone healing were available are included. Five humeral and twenty eight femoral fractures were reviewed. Multiple-hole interlocking nails (MH-ILN) were used in 22 fractures, with the four-hole model (FH-ILN) in the remaining cases. In three of the cases, the FH-ILN was transformed to a three-hole model by cutting the nail between the two most distal holes. The average length of humeral ILN was 78.8 mm, and the femoral ILN was 97.2 mm. Static fixation was performed in 27 cases, with dynamic fixation in the remaining. The medullary canal filling was 100% in both radiographic views in 16 cases. Intra-operative complications were encountered in two cases. A total number of 76 screws were inserted, with 5.26% of them being malpositioned. Malunion, in a deformed femur, and partial unscrewing of one screw were the only radiographic complications observed at the time of follow-up. The clinical outcome, as well as fracture healing, were excellent in all of the cases. The results of this study indicate that the 4.0 and 5.0 mm MH-ILN and FH-ILN can be used to repair simple or comminuted humeral and femoral fractures in cats.

Surgical reduction and stabilization for repair of femoral capital physeal fractures in cats: 13 cases (1998-2002).

To evaluate anatomic reduction and surgical stabilization of femoral capital physeal fractures in cats. Retrospective study. 13 cats. Medical records of cats with unilateral or bilateral femoral capital physeal fractures evaluated from 1998 to 2002 were reviewed. Age and weight of cats at the time of surgery; breed; sex; concurrent injuries; severity of lameness before and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery; the amount of fracture reduction achieved and number of Kirschner wires (K-wires) used; degree of degenerative joint disease of the hip joint and lysis of the femoral neck and head observed after surgery; whether K-wires were removed after surgery; and complications after surgery were evaluated. Thirteen cats with 16 capital physeal fractures were identified. There was significant improvement in the severity of clinical lameness in all cats from weeks 1 through 4 after surgery. There was no correlation between the scores of the individuals who evaluated radiographs for fracture reduction and placement of K-wires. Results suggested that surgical stabilization and repair of femoral capital physeal fractures facilitate a short recovery period and a good prognosis for return to normal function in cats.

Management of fractures of the mandible in small animals

MANDIBULAR fractures are commonly seen in practice, comprising up to 6 per cent of all fractures in dogs and between 11 and 23 per cent of all fractures in cats....

Repair of diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats using interlocking intramedullary nails: 12 cases (1996-2000).

To determine the outcome of femoral fractures repaired with 4.0- and 4.7-mm interlocking intramedullary nails in cats. Retrospective study. 12 cats with diaphyseal femoral fractures. Records of all cats in which the 4.0- and 4.7-mm interlocking nail system was used for repair of diaphyseal femoral fractures at the Animal Medical Center and Florida Veterinary Specialists between 1996 and 2000 were reviewed. Information included signalment, type of fracture, size of the implant, details of the surgery, intra- and postoperative complications, fracture healing, and clinical outcome. Femoral fractures in 12 cats were repaired. Eleven of the fractures were comminuted, with 2 of these being open. Clinical outcome was excellent in 7 cats, good in 3, and fair in 1. One resulted in a nonunion. Complications included screw breakage (1 cat) and fracture distal to the nail (1). Fracture distal to the nail occurred from a second trauma. Use of the interlocking nail has been limited in cats because of the small diameter of the medullary canal. Use of the 4.0-mm nail will allow for greater application of this implant in small patients. Results of this study indicate that the 4.0- and 4.7-mm interlocking nails can be used to repair simple or comminuted diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats.

Trochlear femoral fractures in cats: results of seven cases

SummarySeven cases of intra-articular fractures of the femoral condyles in cats were reviewed retrospectively. All of the cases involved the trochlea in a pattern that was different from the standard “T” or “L” fracture. Three of the cats were under one year of age. Surgical stabilization involved the use of plates and screws (five cases), crossed screws (one case), and multiple K-wires (one case). Radiographic bony union was demonstrable in all of the cases within 10 weeks. Six (85%) of the cats had a good functional outcome, and one (15%) had a fair outcome (minimum follow-up: four months). Major complications were not observed after post-operative physical and radiological examination.A retrospective study of seven cats with intra-articular fractures of the femoral trochlea was performed. These fractures were different than the standard “T” or L” fracture, and six of the fractures were comminuted.Functional outcome of the surgical repair was graded as good, fair or poor. Six of the cats had a good outcome, and one had a fair outcome.

Intrathoracic and concurrent orthopedic injury associated with traumatic rib fracture in cats: 75 cases (1980-1998).

To characterize rib, intrathoracic, and concurrent orthopedic injuries, and prognosis associated with traumatic rib fracture in cats. Retrospective study. 75 cats. Medical records from January 1980 to August 1998 were examined for cats with traumatic rib fracture. Signalment, cause of trauma, interval from trauma to evaluation at a veterinary teaching hospital, referral status and date, method of diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, number and location of rib fractures, presence of flail chest, costal cartilage involvement, intrathoracic and concurrent orthopedic injury, and clinical outcome were reviewed. Median age was 3 years. Twenty-five (58%) cats with reported cause of trauma were injured by interaction with another animal. Forty-seven (78%) cats that were treated survived. Cats that died had a median duration of hospitalization of < 1 day. Ten (13%) cats had flail chest. Sixty-five (87%) cats had intrathoracic injury (median, 2 injuries). Nine (100%) cats without detected intrathoracic injury that were treated survived. Thirty-five (47%) cats had concurrent orthopedic injury. Cats with flail chest, pleural effusion, or diaphragmatic hernia were significantly more likely to die than cats without each injury. Traumatic rib fracture in cats is associated with intrathoracic and concurrent orthopedic injury. Aggressive treatment of cats with traumatic rib fracture is warranted, because the prognosis is generally favorable. Diagnosis and treatment of intrathoracic injury associated with traumatic rib fracture in cats should precede management of concurrent orthopedic injury.

Application of the Maxillofacial Mini-plate Compact 1.0 in the Fracture Repair of 12 Cats/2 Dogs

SummaryThis study reports the application of the AO/ASIF maxillofacial mini-plate system, Compact 1.0a (MF mini-plate 1.0), in the repair of fractures in 12 cats and two small sized dogs. The malleability of these titanium mini-plates allows them to be precisely contoured and positioned to fit onto the most advantages sites of the bone. Selftapping mini-screws provide an easy application and a time-saving osteosynthesis. Fractures of miniature bones too small for the regular AO/ASIF miniimplants can be repaired successfully with this MF mini-plate 1.0 implant set. The special indications reported were the repair of fractures of the angle of the mandible in cats, articular digital fractures in small dogs and the stabilization of small avulsion fractures in cats and dogs.This study shows the successful application of the titanium maxillofacial mini-plate, Compact 1.0, in 12 cats and two toy breed dogs. Miniature fractures, such as mandible or digit fractures, too small for the AO/ASIF mini-plate system are indications for these implants. The self-tapping screws of the maxillofacial system, Compact 1.0, with a core diameter of 0.7 mm, can be used as plate screws or interfragmentarily.

Interlocking intramedullary nail method for the treatment of femoral and tibial fractures in cats and small dogs.

We have developed an interlocking intramedullary nail method for the treatment of femoral and tibial fractures and used this method for the treatment of 7 cats and 6 dogs with these fractures. The interlocking nails, with a diameter of 4-6 mm and length of 60-140 mm, have holes at 10 mm intervals for screwing. The nail placed on the insertion device was inserted into the marrow cavity from the end of the fractured bone in the usual procedures for intramedullary fixation, then fixed by screws at the distal and proximal ends with a jig which was also attached to the insertion device. Animals were able to bear weight on the treated legs within three days, and the prognosis was excellent.

Treatment of isolated Tibial fractures in cats and dogs

Summary We report here a review of 33 cases of isolated tibial fractures (i.e., with the fibula intact) in 10 cats and 23 dogs, presented to four orthopaedic referral clinics. The purpose of this study was to identify factors to be considered when selecting the therapy for an isolated tibial fracture in cats and dogs. The animal species, the size of the dog breed, the age of the patient, the type of tibial fracture, the presence of an additional fracture, the treating clinic, the therapy applied, and the results after treatment were taken into account. A step‐backward logistic regression analysis was applied to the series of cases to examine possible relations among the covariates. Treatment outcome was found by logistic regression analysis to depend significantly (P≤ 0.05) on age, the presence of an additional fracture, and the therapy applied. No other relations were present between the covariates. In the immature cat or dog with an isolated tibial fracture, treatment by external splinting has a good prognosis. In the mature cat or dog with an isolated tibial fracture, rigid fixation by external fixator or internal fixation is the method of choice.

Treatment of isolated tibial fractures in cats and dogs

Treatment of isolated tibial fractures in cats and dogs

Use of external skeletal fixators in the repair of femoral fractures in cats

This paper reports the results of fixation of 35 femoral fractures in cats using an external skeletal fixator alone or in combination with supplementary devices. All the fractures healed. The average time to fixator removal was eight weeks and two days. The external skeletal fixator offers a method of repairing many types of femoral fractures in cats allowing sound orthopaedic principles to be maintained and producing a successful outcome.

Characteristics of Pelvic Fracture in the Cat

SummaryThe medical records from 103 cats with pelvic fracture were studied retrospectively. Most cats were 12 months of age or younger and both sexes were equally represented. The majority of the cats had been hit by a car. Numerous combinations of fracture types were present, but more than half involved combination of pelvic floor fractures with ilial body fracture, ilial body fracture contralateral to a sacroiliac luxation, a unilateral sacroiliac luxation, or bilateral sacroiliac luxation. The majority of cats had one or more serious extrapelvic injuries, the most common being sacral fracture, disruption of the coxofemoral joint, femoral fracture, and peripheral nerve paresis. Statistically significant positive association was found for ischiatic nerve injury and ipsilateral ilial body fracture alone and in combination with other fractures, and for ischial body fracture and sacral body injury. A negative or “protective” association was found between sacroiliac luxation and ipsilateral coxofemoral injury.A retrospective study of 103 pelvic fractures in cats was done. More than 50% of the cats had pelvic floor fractures in combination with unilateral ilial body fractures, unilateral sacroiliac luxations, bilateral sacroiliac luxations, or contralateral ilial body fracture and sacroiliac luxation. Common extrapelvic injuries included sacral fracture, coxofemoral joint injury, femoral fracture, and peripheral nerve paresis.

Stacked Veterinary Cuttable Plates for Treatment of Comminuted Diaphyseal Fractures in Cats

Comminuted long bone fractures in four cats were repaired using stacked 2.0/2.7 mm cuttable plates. The plates were used as “lengthening plates", spanning cortical defects to maintain limb length. The defects were filled with autogenous cancellous bone graft. The plates did not fracture through unfilled screw holes and good to excellent limb function returned in all four cats.

Biodegradable Implants in the Fixation of Physeal Fractures in Cats and Dogs

In a preclinical and a clinical study physeal fractures of cats and dogs were fixated with biodegradable implants. The preclinical part consisted of 4 cats with experimental physeal fractures of the distal femurs and the clinical part of 6 cats and 8 dogs with different physeal fractures. All fractures were fixated with selfreinforced polyglycolic acid (PGA) implants of different sizes. No external support was applied after the fixation. All cats and dogs used their operated legs during the first postoperative week and they could walk without lameness in 6 weeks. The fracture healed without delay or malformations. The retardations of the growth of the physeal regions were considered minimal.

THE HEALING OF FRACTURES

Some years ago I published the results of an experimental study on the healing of fractures in cats.1Three sets of experiments were performed: simple fractures, incision of the periosteum with instrumental division of the bone, and circular division of the periosteum with instrumental division of the bone. As a result of this work, I came to the following conclusions: 1. When the periosteum is intact, bony union is to be expected. 2. When the periosteum is completely divided, bony union is not to be expected. 3. When the periosteum is slit, bony union may or may not take place. After an ordinary fracture, hemorrhage takes place from the marrow canal under the periosteum. The periosteum is stripped up from the cortex by this hemorrhage and by the fracture itself. Then come the deposition of fibrin, the formation of granulation tissue and the formation of cartilage and fibrocartilage in