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DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750430
Short-Term Clinical and Radiographic Outcome after Stabilization of Femoral Capital Physeal Fractures with Cortical Positional Screws in 39 Cats
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to report the short-term clinical and radiographic outcome for the treatment of femoral capital physeal fractures with cortical positional screws in cats.
Study Design Medical records and radiographs of cats with femoral capital physeal fractures stabilized with cortical positional screws were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, bodyweight, femoral head affected, fracture classification, fracture reduction, implants, concurrent orthopaedic injuries, osteoarthritis, femoral neck osteolysis, complications and 6-week follow-up clinical results were recorded. A short- to long-term follow-up was performed by telephone questionnaire with the owners.
Results Forty-six fractures in 39 cats met the inclusion criteria. In 45/46 fractures, radiographic signs of bone healing were present and 35/39 cats were assessed as walking normally by a veterinarian at 6-week follow-up. There was a significant increase in radiographic signs of osteoarthritis (p=0.037) and femoral neck osteolysis (p=0.001) on 6-week follow-up radiographs. Pre- and postoperative osteoarthritis and femoral neck osteolysis were not associated with clinical outcome. The mean follow-up period for the telephone questionnaire was 48 months (range, 5–147 months). Seven out of 25 owners reported a gait abnormality in the short- to long-term.
Conclusion Femoral capital physeal fractures in cats can be treated successfully with the use of cortical positional screws. This technique may be considered as an alternative to other primary fixation techniques and salvage procedures for the treatment of femoral capital physeal injuries in cats. This technique seemed successful in cats with a low-grade preoperative femoral neck osteolysis.
Authors' Contributions
Joris Vink and Mike Hubers contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data and interpretation of data. Erik den Hertog contributed to data analysis and interpretation. Nicolien Jacoba van Klaveren, Ingrid Schaeffer, Dick van Zuilen and Roelof Maarschalkerweerd contributed to acquisition of data and performed all surgeries. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.
Publication History
Received: 24 August 2021
Accepted: 04 May 2022
Article published online:
08 September 2022
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