Use of Locking Plates Fixed with Cortical Screws for Pelvic Fracture Repair in 20 Cats

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to describe the use of String of Pearls (SOP) plates for the surgical management of feline pelvic fractures, including surgical technique, proposed indications, complications, and outcomes in a cohort of cats.

Study Design This study is a single-center retrospective clinical case series.

Methods Medical records (2015–2019) of cats presenting for pelvic fractures (n = 33) were reviewed. Type of fracture, preoperative and postoperative imaging, and complications were retrospectively retrieved. Owners were contacted via questionnaire for medium- and long-term follow-up.

Results A total of 20 cats met the inclusion criteria. Minor intraoperative complications were encountered in three patients. One patient suffered a major intraoperative complication. Five major complications were encountered postoperatively. These included two greater trochanter osteotomy fixation implant removal and three SOP plate removal. Full function was recovered in all patients according to the owners' assessment.

Clinical Significance The use of SOP plates in feline pelvic fractures appears to yield a consistently good outcome with a very low incidence of canal narrowing and screw loosening. SOP plates are easy to contour and to apply along the entire pelvic length.

Keywords

SOP - pelvic fractures - feline - pelvic spanning - locking plates

Authors' Contribution

E.A.D., S.G., S.M., R.W. contributed to the conception, study design, acquisition of data, data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised, and approved the submitted manuscript and are publicly responsible for the relevant content.

Publication History

Received: 12 September 2022

Accepted: 09 June 2023

Article published online:
11 September 2023

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