Brigitte Degasperi1, Gabriele Gradner, Gilles Dupré. 1. Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Ophthalmology at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. brigitte.degasperi@vu-wien.ac.at
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple technique of intramedullary (IM) pinning for open reduction and internal fixation of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats and evaluate outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Cats (n=17). METHODS: Medical records of cats with metacarpal and metatarsal fractures treated by a specific IM pinning method with Kirschner wires were reviewed. Types of fractures and number of pins used were recorded. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated. Outcome was assessed based on clinical examination, evaluation of radiographs, and owner questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventeen questionnaires were evaluated. Thirteen cats had a final recheck and radiographic assessment. Eight cats were lost to follow-up. Sixteen owners (94%) reported no obvious change in their cat's gait after treatment. One owner reported excellent function in her cat despite a slightly abnormal gait because of bent implants. CONCLUSIONS: IM pinning after distraction of bone fragments is a reliable technique for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Complications associated with fracture healing may or may not be associated with lameness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IM pinning used in conjunction with appropriate bandaging for 4 weeks yields excellent functional outcome for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joint damage is prevented using this technique.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple technique of intramedullary (IM) pinning for open reduction and internal fixation of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats and evaluate outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Cats (n=17). METHODS: Medical records of cats with metacarpal and metatarsal fractures treated by a specific IM pinning method with Kirschner wires were reviewed. Types of fractures and number of pins used were recorded. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated. Outcome was assessed based on clinical examination, evaluation of radiographs, and owner questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventeen questionnaires were evaluated. Thirteen cats had a final recheck and radiographic assessment. Eight cats were lost to follow-up. Sixteen owners (94%) reported no obvious change in their cat's gait after treatment. One owner reported excellent function in her cat despite a slightly abnormal gait because of bent implants. CONCLUSIONS: IM pinning after distraction of bone fragments is a reliable technique for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Complications associated with fracture healing may or may not be associated with lameness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IM pinning used in conjunction with appropriate bandaging for 4 weeks yields excellent functional outcome for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joint damage is prevented using this technique.
Authors: Gabriel Carbonell Rosselló; Jasmin Carmel; Matthew Pead; Victor Vidal Lacosta; Pilar Lafuente Journal: BMC Vet Res Date: 2022-08-04 Impact factor: 2.792