Fixation of pelvic floor fractures in cats.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate the outcome of internal fixation of trauma- related pelvic floor fractures using a ventral abdominal approach in cats. METHODS: Clinical examination and radiographic findings at presentation, after surgery, and at follow-up were assessed. Information gathered included concurrent injuries, surgical technique used, lameness and pain scores, and radiographic signs of implant stability. RESULTS: Ten European shorthair cats were included in the study. Pelvic floor fractures were stabilised using locking plates in nine cats, and symphyseal separation was fixated using hemicerclage wire in one cat. Additional procedures included reduction of sacroiliac luxation in nine cats with positional screws placed in six cats, and plate stabilization of sacral fractures in one cat. All cats were able to walk within five days of surgery. No orthopaedic or neurological deficits were observed in seven cats at follow-up. Neurological deficits were observed in one cat. Signs of pain at implant sites due to inadequate surgical technique were noted in two cats. Anatomical reduction of the pelvic floor was achieved in eight cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stabilization of the pelvic floor and repair of sacroiliac luxation and other injuries by a ventral abdominal approach in cats led to an overall successful outcome. Fixation of the pelvic floor in cats with intact acetabular and ilial bones should be considered in patients with multiple pelvic fractures in combination with sacroiliac joint luxation or sacral fracture, pelvic canal narrowing, traumatic abdominal hernia, and other abdominal injuries.

Effect of tibial tuberosity advancement on femorotibial shear in cranial cruciate-deficient stifles. An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study compares the femorotibial shear in canine stifles with intact and transected cranial cruciate ligaments (CrCL), before and after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) by measuring the distance between origin and insertion of the cruciate ligaments. METHODS: Radiodense markers were inserted into bones at the attachment sites of the cruciate ligaments in sixteen cadaveric stifles of adult dogs. Each stifle was then mounted in a testing apparatus. The distances between the markers were measured on mediolateral radiographs, performed on each stifle under three different situations: intact, after CrCL transection, and after performing a TTA. Stifles were loaded to create a constant tibiofemoral reaction force by maintaining the load parallel to the patellar ligament. Radiographs were taken in a preloaded and loaded state in the intact stifle and only in a loaded state after CrCL transection, and after performing a TTA. RESULTS: Loading the stifle joints after transection of the CrCL resulted in a mean lengthening of the CrCL marker distance of 22.4%. Loading the transected CrCL stifles after performing a TTA resulted in a mean shortening of the CrCL marker distance by 3.0% compared to the loaded intact condition. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that, in loaded stifles with transected CrCLs, TTA causes a caudal shift in the cranial shear force, counteracting cranial subluxation of the tibia.