Evaluation of the transarticular external skeletal fixator for the treatment of tarsocrural instability in 32 cats

E. Kulendra; J. Grierson; S. Okushima; M. Cariou; A. House

doi:10.3415/VCOT-10-09-0136

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2011; 24(05): 320-325
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-10-09-0136

Original Research

Schattauer GmbH

Evaluation of the transarticular external skeletal fixator for the treatment of tarsocrural instability in 32 cats

E. Kulendra

¹Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK

,

J. Grierson

¹Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK

³Current address: Anderson Sturgess Veterinary Specialists, The Granary, Bunstead Barns, Poles Lane, Hursley, Winchester, Hampshire, UK

,

S. Okushima

¹Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK

,

M. Cariou

¹Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK

,

A. House

²Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre, Glen Waverley, Melbourne, Australia

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

The medical records of all cats with tarsocrural joint instability that were treated between June 2002 and December 2008 at the Royal Veterinary College were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 32 cats were identified. Information gathered included signalment, type of injury (subluxation or luxation), concurrent fractures, presence of soft tissue wounds, transarticular external skeletal fixation (TESF) type, configuration of TESF (number of pins proximal and distal to the joint), duration of hospitalisation, duration of TESF prior to removal, complications and cost. A significant association was identified between the length of hospitalisation and the presence of wounds. Similarly a significant association was present between wounds and final cost of treatment. Additionally, the authors found that a high number of implant related complications were present when only two pins were used proximal and distal to the tarsocrural joint, but this association was not significant.

Keywords

Feline - tarsocrural - transarticular external skeletal fixators

Full Text

References

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