Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2000; 13(01): 44-48
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632629
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Successful Management of Quadriceps Contracture in a Cat Using a Dynamic Flexion Apparatus

J.M. Liptak
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
,
D.J. Simpson
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 05 May 1999

Accepted 25 June 1999

Publication Date:
09 February 2018 (online)

Summary

A comminuted, grade I open femoral fracture in an immature cat was repaired using stacked veterinary cuttable plates in a bridging fashion. The cat subsequently developed quadriceps contracture with stifle hyperextension and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle. Adhesions between the quadriceps muscle and fracture callus were released and a dynamic flexion apparatus used to prevent recurrence of quadriceps contracture by encouraging leg use and lengthening of the quadriceps muscles. The range of motion in the stifle improved from 35° to 130° and the cat maintained excellent use of the leg without recurrence of quadriceps contracture.

Quadriceps contracture was diagnosed in an immature cat after biological repair of a comminuted femoral fracture using stacked veterinary cuttable plates in a bridging fashion. The quadriceps contracture was successfully managed with release of adhesions between the vastus intermedius and fracture callus, application of a dynamic flexion apparatus, and an intensive physiotherapy program.