Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to report the use, complications and perioperative outcome
of locking compression plates (LCP) for acetabular fracture fixation in feline patients.
Study Design Medical records were reviewed for cats presented with acetabular fractures between
2011 and 2019. Only cases that involved open reduction and internal fixation with
at least one LCP and had a minimum of 5-week postoperative follow-up were included.
Long-term follow-up was based on the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index.
Results Fifteen cats with 15 acetabular fractures met the inclusion criteria. Locking compression
plates were used as a sole method of fixation in 11/15 cases, while with other ancillary
implants in 4/15 cases. There were two minor complications related to the LCP consisting
of a single screw backing out. Two major perioperative complications not related to
the locking implants were described and required further surgical treatment. At the
last clinical follow-up (median 46 days: 38–88 days), function was described as full
for 7/15 cats, and acceptable for 8/15 cats. The Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index
questionnaire was completed by 9/15 owners at a median of 2,332 days; all owners reported
their cats had minimal impairment.
Clinical Significance Based on our results, LCP is a suitable implant for acetabular fracture fixation
in cats, associated with a satisfactory outcome. Complications were similar to previously
reported with other methods.
Keywords
locking compression plate - locking plate - orthopaedic surgery - feline surgery -
acetabular fracture fixation
