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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2014; 27(04): 306-312
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-13-08-0098
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Surgical repair of thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations in eight cats using screws and polymethylmethacrylate fixation

R. Vallefuoco
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
,
M. Manassero
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
,
D. Leperlier
2   Centre Hospitalier Veterinaire Pommery, Reims, France
,
S. Scotti
3   Clinique Vétérinaire Evolia, L’isle Adam, France
,
V. Viateau
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
,
P. Moissonnier
1   Department of Small Animal Surgery, Université Paris-Est, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 06 August 2013

Accepted: 21 March 2014

Publication Date:
20 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objective: To report our clinical experience in the surgical treatment of feline thora-columbar vertebral fracture-luxations using optimal safe implantation corridors as previously described in vitro.

Study design: Retrospective clinical study.

Materials and Methods: Medical records and radiographs of cats with vertebral fracture- luxations stabilized by screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using optimal safe implantation corridors between 2009 and 2011 were reviewed. For each patient the data included: signalment, cause of vertebral fracture-luxations, presence of concurrent injuries, pre- and postoperative neurological grade, surgical treatment, imaging findings, and clinical outcome with short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (12 months) follow-up.

Results: Eight cats with vertebral fracture-luxations involving the lumbar (L)(n = 5), the thoracic (T) spinal segments (n = 2), or the thoraco-lumbar junction (n = 1) were included in the study. Screws and PMMA were used bilaterally in five cats and unilaterally in three cats. No surgical intra-operative complications using the defined corridors were recorded. Implant failure followed by spontaneous recovery was recorded in one case. Two cats died in the postoperative period (≤4 days). The short-term and long-term clinical outcome was excellent in four out of eight cats and satisfactory in two out of eight cats.

Conclusion and Clinical relevance: This pilot study demonstrates the clinical applicability of optimal safe implantation corridors for stabilization of feline thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations with screws and PMMA. This technique can be used with limited risks of iatrogenic injuries for stabilization of vertebral fracture-luxation localized between T11-L4.

Keywords

Cat - vertebral - fracture - implantation corridor - luxation
 

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