Treatment of pelvic fractures in cats with patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the treatment and outcome of acetabular and other pelvic fractures in cats with patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome (PADS) and to provide advice on how to manage these cases in practice. METHODS: Data were collated on cats with PADS that were reported to have sustained pelvic fractures or had fractures or fissures of the pelvis identified on submitted radiographs. The details of the fractures were recorded, in addition to any treatment and outcome information. RESULTS: Of the 215 cases reported with PADS, 58 cats (27%) were found to have pelvic fractures, none of which were known to have resulted from significant trauma. There were 101 fractures in total and of these 15 were treated with surgery, including 10 acetabular fractures, two ilial, two pubic and one ischial fracture. Screw loosening and loss of fracture reduction was seen in four of the surgically treated fractures (two pubic fractures, one ilial and one acetabular fracture). Fourteen cats were euthanased as a direct result of a fracture occurring. While most pelvic fractures healed uneventfully, some cats remained intermittently lame, but it was not always possible to determine the cause of the lameness from the information available and because all cats had concurrent patellar fractures. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Many of the pelvic fractures healed with conservative management. Fractures involving articular surfaces such as acetabular fractures may benefit from surgical stabilisation as surgery may offer the benefits of articular fracture repair with improved joint congruency and a faster return to normal activity.

Outcome of surgical stabilisation of acetabular fractures in 16 cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe the presentation, surgical management and perioperative outcome of cats with acetabular fractures. METHODS: Case records and radiographs of cats with acetabular fractures were reviewed from presentation to the end of follow-up. Surgical technique, complications, radiographic reduction and the presence of neurological deficits were recorded. RESULTS: Sixteen cats with 17 acetabular fractures met the inclusion criteria. All fractures were associated with concurrent orthopaedic injuries. All cats were either moderately or severely lame on presentation. Five fractures were stabilised using screws, wire, pins and polymethylmethacrylate, nine were repaired using a straight dynamic compression plate and three were repaired using a locking plate. Two of seven cats that were neurologically normal prior to surgery developed transient neuropraxia following surgery. There were three major complications and no minor complications. At the end of follow-up 3/16 cats had full function, whereas 13/16 had acceptable function. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: All cats undergoing surgical stabilisation of acetabular fractures returned to full or acceptable function by the end of the follow-up period and there was a low number of intraoperative and short-term complications. Neurological deficits were common preoperatively, but the majority of these deficits had resolved by follow-up.

Haste intramedular bloqueada em comparação com placa de compressão dinâmica na estabilização de osteotomia intertrocantérica varizante em cães: estudo ex vivo / Interlocking nail system in comparison with dynamic compression plate in the stabilization of intertrochanteric varus osteotomy in dogs: study in cadavers

Tendo em vista as vantagens das hastes intramedulares bloqueadas (HIB) em relação às placas ósseas na estabilização femoral, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar a exequibilidade e eficácia da aplicação da HIB pós osteotomia intertrocantérica varizante (OIV). Submeteu-se 10 cadáveres caninos à OIV. Nos antímeros esquerdos obteve-se a estabilização por meio de HIB (grupo HIB) e, nos direitos, com placas de compressão dinâmica (grupo placa). Foram comparados os ângulos de Norberg e de inclinação da cabeça e colo femoral (ICF) antes (T0) e após (T1) a OIV. O tempo dispendido para a colocação dos implantes e resultados de resistência biomecânica à compressão e torção também foram confrontados entre os grupos. Houve aumento do ângulo de Norberg entre T0 (106,84®5,55o) e T1 (111,22o®3,89), apenas no grupo HIB (p<0,05). No entanto, redução do ângulo de ICF após OIV (T1) foi observada tanto no grupo placa (T0=127,6®4,70o e T1=110,06®10,61o, p<0,05) quanto no grupo HIB (T0=126,43®5,87o e T1=116,87®8,62o, p<0,05). Os tempos de colocação dos implantes não diferiram estatisticamente e apenas o teste biomecânico de compressão revelou diferença entre os grupos, com maior resistência (P=0,033) do grupo placa (863,3®74,46N/mm) em relação ao grupo HIB (586,7®44,10N/mm). Deste modo, a estabilização por meio de HIB foi factível e eficaz. Embora o resultado biomecânico de compressão tenha demonstrado maior fragilidade da HIB em relação à placa de compressão, seus valores estão acima das forças atuantes, reportadas na literatura, na deambulação normal de cão.(AU)

Considering the advantages of the interlocking intramedullary nail (IN) in relation to bone plates in the femoral stabilization, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of IN application post intertrochanteric varus osteotomy (IVO). For this purpose, 10 canines cadavers were used. On the left femurs, the fixation was obtained with IN (IN group) and rights fixed with dynamic compression plates and screws (plate group). Was compared the angles of Norberg and inclination of the head and femoral neck (IHF) before (T0) and after (T1) IVO. The results of time spent for placement of implants and biomechanical resistance to compression and torsion were also confronted between groups. There was an increase of the Norberg angle between T0 (106.84®5.55o) and T1 (111.22o®3.89), only in IN group (p<0.05). However, reduction of IHF angle after IVO (T1) was observed in both, the plate group (T0=127.6®4.70o e T1=110.06®10.61o, p<0.05) and IN group (T0=126.43®5.87o e T1=116.87® 8.62 o, p<0.05). The placement times of the implants did not differ statistically and only the compression biomechanical test revealed differences between groups, with greater resistance (P=0.033) of the plate group (863.3®74.46N/mm) compared to IN group (586.7®44.10N/mm). Thus, stabilization through IN was feasible and effective. Although the compression biomechanical results has demonstrated a higher fragility of IN in relation to the compression plate, their values are above the forces, reported in literature, acting in normal dog gait.(AU)

Management and long-term outcome of pelvic fractures: a retrospective study of 43 cats.

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the management and long-term outcome of cats with pelvic fractures. Methods Cats with pelvic fractures had their records and radiographs reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed for fracture configuration, implants and pelvic canal narrowing. Owners were contacted for long-term follow-up. Results Forty-three cats met the criteria (mean follow-up 24 months [range 6-45 months]). The majority (93%) had more than one orthopaedic pelvic injury, with sacroiliac fracture luxations seen most commonly; 23% had presurgical neurological deficits. Most cats (74%) were managed surgically; 60% of sacroiliac fracture luxations, 82% of ilial fractures and 50% of acetabular fractures received surgery. The complication rate was 22%, most commonly sciatic neurapraxia (13%). Seventy-nine percent of all neurological deficits resolved and the remainder improved. Mean pelvic canal narrowing after trauma was -15% in surgical and -16% in conservatively managed cats. Canal width was improved postoperatively (-8%) but mildly narrowed further by follow-up (-12%); however, these changes were not significant. Nineteen percent of cats had constipation postsurgery; none developed megacolon. There was no clear correlation between the degree of narrowing of the pelvic canal up to -50%, or whether conservative treatment was opted for, and the development of constipation. Long-term mobility was not impaired in 86% of cats, and 84% did not have any lameness detectable. Conclusions and relevance The majority of cats were managed surgically, with a 22% complication rate; the most common being transient sciatic neurapraxia. Long-term outcome was generally excellent and most had a full recovery. Constipation/obstipation was very uncommon and no clear relationship with pelvic canal narrowing could be found when considering narrowing of up to -50% in both surgical and conservative groups. As no cats in this cohort had narrowing greater than -50%, the current recommendation of surgery to improve the canal width if narrowing is greater than -45% to -50% should remain.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 17 Maine Coon cats.

Objectives From May 2009 to January 2015, 208 Maine Coon cats presented to the Tierklinik Hollabrunn - a small animal referral and first-opinion centre - and 17 (8.17%) cats were diagnosed with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Over the same time period, 29 (0.67%) of 4348 cats (all breeds) were diagnosed with SCFE. Methods Clinical and orthopaedic examinations and diagnostic imaging were performed on all affected Maine Coons. Age at first presentation, sex, body weight, body condition score (BCS), unilateral or bilateral manifestation of the disease, activity level and duration of lameness, age at neutering and known family history of disease were recorded. Sixteen of 17 Maine Coons were surgically treated. Surgically removed femoral tissue samples were histologically examined in 13 cases. Results The mean age at first presentation was 21.47 months; male to female ratio was 16:1; mean body weight was 7.5 kg (range 5.3-9.3 kg); and mean BCS was 5.06/9.0. Seven cats were bilaterally affected; the median duration of decreased activity level and lameness was 2 weeks; mean age at neutering was 7.7 months (range 3.0-12.0 months); and four cats were littermates. Fourteen femoral head and neck ostectomies, eight total hip replacements and one primary fixation were performed. All 13 histologically available samples confirmed the diagnosis of SCFE. Conclusions and relevance To date, SCFE has been reported only occasionally in Maine Coon cats. However, the results of this study showed that Maine Coons were approximately 12-fold more likely to develop SCFE than the overall population of cats presenting to the Tierklinik Hollabrunn over the same time period. Male sex, neutering, delayed physeal closure and breed-specific high body weight may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SCFE in Maine Coon cats.

Traumatic conditions of the coxofemoral joint: luxation, femoral head-neck fracture, acetabular fracture.

Diagnosis and treatment of traumatic conditions of the hip joint in cattle remain a challenge for the veterinarian. This article is intended to give an overview of the most common orthopedic problems of the bovine coxofemoral joint, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options.

Computed tomography of coxofemoral injury in five mute swans (Cygnus olor).

Five mute swans (Cygnus olor) were presented with inability to stand or with abnormal positioning of a leg. Clinical examinations indicated the possibility of femoral fractures or coxofemoral luxations. The suspected diagnosis was proven by means of computed tomography (CT), while superimposition of gastrointestinal contents or other artefacts limited radiographic diagnosis in three birds. A typical CT sign for lesions of the coxofemoral joint apart from femoral displacement was haemorrhage within the pelvic bones (especially around the acetabulum), found in four of the five birds. Small femoral head avulsion fractures could be detected only with CT.

Apophyseal avulsion fracture of the greater trochanter of the femur in a Thoroughbred filly.

The case report of a 14-month-old Thoroughbred filly with acute onset of severe right hindlimb lameness is presented. The horse had a severe and sudden abduction of the hindlimbs due to a side effect of an overdose of lidocaine, which had been administered in a constant rate infusion after a colic surgery. Transcutaneous ultrasonography and standing radiography of the pelvis revealed proximal and cranial displacement of the greater trochanter and free bone fragments consistent with an apophyseal avulsion fracture of the greater trochanter. The complete diagnosis was obtained with the horse in a standing position. The filly was euthanatized because of deterioration resulting from the colic condition and of the poor prognosis of the fracture of the greater trochanter. Postmortem evaluation confirmed an apophyseal avulsion fracture of the right greater trochanter. To the authors' knowledge, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings of this fracture have not been described in the standing horse. The diagnosis was reached quite easily with the horse in a normal standing position when the characteristic ultrasonographic and radiographic findings were detected.

Composite fixation of comminuted ilial wing fractures in cats: three cases.

UNLABELLED: CLINICAL SUMMARY: The surgical repair of comminuted ilial wing fractures (comprising a long oblique fracture with ventral multiple fragmentation) in three cats using composite internal fixation is reported. The technique comprised the use of pins, screws, wire and polymethylmethacrylate. All cases had an excellent outcome with uneventful bone healing. One case had a very mild reduction in pelvic canal diameter postoperatively. There was no evidence of implant loosening or migration in any cat on follow-up radiographs. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: This technique provided a quick and highly adaptable means of stabilising this fracture configuration, as well as restoring pelvic symmetry, when limited buttressing support and bone stock were available cranial and ventral to the acetabulum. This method of fixation may have biomechanical advantages over lateral or dorsal plating techniques for this particular type of fracture configuration.

Successful management of simple fractures of the femoral neck with femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty in two free-living avian species.

A red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) were evaluated for unilateral pelvic limb lameness. Physical examination findings and results of diagnostic imaging revealed femoral neck fractures in both birds. Both birds were treated with a femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty. The affected legs were not immobilized, and the birds were encouraged to use the legs immediately after surgery to encourage formation of a pseudoarthrosis. Within 2 weeks, both birds were using the affected limb well enough to be either successfully released or transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty without immobilization of the limb is recommended for managing avian femoral neck fractures, especially in free-ranging species in which a rapid and complete or near complete return to function is vital for survival in the wild.

Feline ilial fractures: assessment of screw loosening and pelvic canal narrowing after lateral plating.

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of (1) screw loosening and (2) severity of pelvic canal narrowing in cats after repair of ilial fractures by a lateral bone plate. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Cats (n=21) with ilial fractures. METHODS: Medical records (June 1994 to February 2004) and radiographs were reviewed. Retrieved data were: signalment, fracture description, screw purchase, screw loosening, complications, and clinical outcome. Sacral index (SI) was used to objectively assess degree of pelvic canal narrowing. Long-term follow-up was by owner telephone interview or postal questionnaire. RESULTS: Screw loosening occurred in 13 cats (62%), with a mean loss of total screw purchase of 13% (range, 0-46%). Pelvic canal narrowing (mean decrease, 25%; range, 5-60%) occurred in all cats. Six cats (28%) had severe pelvic canal narrowing (mean, 52%); 5 of these had signs of recurrent constipation within 12 months postoperatively. Mean loss of total screw purchase in cats with severe pelvic narrowing was 28% compared with 9% for all other cats with narrowing. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral plating of ilial fractures in cats is associated with a high incidence of screw loosening. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pelvic canal narrowing >45% is associated with a high risk of recurrent constipation.

Feline ilial fractures: a prospective study of dorsal plating and comparison with lateral plating.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) report a technique for repair of feline ilial fractures using a dorsally applied bone plate and (2) compare outcome with cats treated by a lateral plate. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Cats (n=10) with iliac fractures. METHODS: Cats with ilial fractures (January 2005-December 2006) were treated by application of a dorsally applied bone plate. Immediate postoperative radiographs were compared with those taken 4-6 weeks later to assess screw loosening, screw purchase, and pelvic canal narrowing. Owners were contacted for medium-term (>3 month) follow-up. Data were compared with a report of outcome after lateral plating (LP) in 21 cats. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) screw purchase (89 +/- 11 mm) was significantly greater (P<.01) with a dorsal plate compared with a lateral plate (33 +/- 8 mm). Significantly more screws (P<.01) were used with a dorsal plate (median, 7) compared with a lateral plate (median, 6). Significantly less postoperative pelvic canal narrowing developed in the dorsal plating group between postoperative and 4-6-week follow-up radiography compared with the LP group (2% versus 15%, P<.01). CONCLUSION: Dorsal plating of feline ilial fractures results in significantly less screw loosening and pelvic canal narrowing at 4-6 weeks after surgery compared with LP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dorsal plating of feline iliac fractures may reduce complications associated with pelvic canal narrowing such as constipation and megacolon.

Fractures of the tuber coxa of the ilium in horses: 29 cases (1996-2007).

OBJECTIVE: To determine history; clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic abnormalities; treatment; and outcome in horses with tuber coxae fractures and to describe a useful technique for obtaining a dorsomedial-ventrolateral 50 degrees oblique radiographic view of the tuber coxa of the ilium in standing horses. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 29 horses with fractures of tuber coxa. PROCEDURES: Data collected from medical records included signalment; history; horse use; severity and duration of lameness; radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic findings; treatment; and outcome. RESULTS: All horses had a traumatic event leading to acute, unilateral hind limb lameness. Eighteen horses had a more severe lameness at the walk than at the trot; 22 of 29 horses had an abnormal gait with the hind limbs tracking to 1 side of the forelimbs. Twenty-four of 29 horses had palpable and visual asymmetry between the affected and unaffected tuber coxae. Twenty horses had radiography performed while sedated but standing, and fractures were reliably identified on the dorsomedial-ventrolateral 50 degrees oblique radiographic views. Twenty-seven (27/29 [93%]) horses returned to athletic use. Horses sustaining partial fractures of the caudal aspect of tuber coxae returned to previous use significantly earlier (mean, 3 months), compared with horses with complete tuber coxae fractures (6.5 months). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses with tuber coxae fractures returned to athletic soundness following extended periods of rest. Findings emphasized the need for obtaining a dorsomedial-ventrolateral 50 degrees oblique radiographic view of the tuber coxa of the ilium in horses suspected of sustaining injury to this region.

Repair of femoral capital physeal fractures with 7.0 mm cannulated screws in cattle: 20 cases (1988-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term outcome of repair of femoral capital physeal fractures with 70 mm cannulated screws in juvenile bulls that weighed >350 kg (770 lb). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 20 bulls. PROCEDURE: Medical records of affected cattle were identified and reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by means of a written questionnaire, 1 to 15 years after discharge, from the veterinarians who supervised the postoperative care at bull stud facilities. RESULTS: Mean age and body weight at time of repair were 19 months (range, 11 to 27 months) and 513 kg (1128.6 lb; range, 364 to 720 kg [800.8 to 1584 lb]), respectively. Surgical repair was performed with 70 mm cannulated screws. A second surgery to replace malpositioned implants was required in 1 bull. Fourteen of the 20 bulls were considered serviceable for semen collection after surgical repair, and persistent lameness was evident in 11 of the 14. Mean duration for bulls to become serviceable was 5.5 months (range, 2 to 11 months). Age, weight, duration of injury at the time of repair, and degree of reduction did not have a significant effect on whether surgical repair was successful. Six bulls remained severely lame and were euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that surgical repair of femoral capital physeal fractures in adolescent bulls with 70 mm cannulated screws placed in lag fashion has a good prognosis for long-term function in a semen collection facility.

Traumatic avulsion fracture of the lesser trochanter in a dog.

A 15-month-old 25 kg female spayed American Staffordshire Terrier was examined to determine the cause of a six month period of lameness of the left pelvic limb. Signs of severe pain were evident on hyperextension and simultaneous internal rotation or abduction of the left hip joint; crepitus or instabiltiy was not detected. The diagnosis of avulsion fracture of the lesser trochanter was based on radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), supported by initial findings such as lameness and hip joint pain in extension. The dog was treated with strict confinement for eight weeks followed by a gradual increase in activity; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were given for one month. Three months later, the dog was clinically sound and unrestricted activity was resumed. Soundness was confirmed on follow-up 18 months after injury. CT and especially MRI were powerful diagnostic tools to identify chronic iliopsoas strains with an avulsion fracture of the lesser trochanter. Complete recovery ensued following conservative treatment only, despite the proximal diplacement of an avulsed segment of the lesser trochanter. Thus, traumatic injury to the iliopsoas muscle and to the lesser trochanter should be included as differential diagnosis in cases of hind leg lameness.

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

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anatomic reduction and surgical stabilization of femoral capital physeal fractures in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 13 cats. PROCEDURE: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 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.