Making internal fixation work with limited bone stock

Surgical stabilization of a distal tibial fracture in a jungle cat (Felis chaus) using orthogonal double plating

The jungle cat (Felis chaus) is a member of the genus Felis within the family Felidae, native to south-east Asia, west Asia and north Africa. A 2-year-old male jungle cat was referred with a history of lameness of 3 days duration. At the time of presentation, the animal had non-weight-bearing lameness of the right hindlimb. Examination identified crepitation and instability in the distal diaphyseal region of the right tibial bone. Radiographs confirmed the presence of fractures in the distal diaphyseal region of the right tibia and fibula. Double plating of the tibia was employed for used fixation. The animal was evaluated 2, 4 and 8 weeks post-operatively, and the procedure was considered to have been successful with no observed surgical complications.

Functional outcomes of dogs undergoing shoulder arthrodesis with 2 locking compression plates

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of dogs undergoing shoulder arthrodesis with the application of 2 locking compression plates (LCPs).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

Twelve client owned dogs undergoing shoulder arthrodesis using 2 LCPs as the principal method of fixation.

METHODS

Medical records were searched for dogs who had undergone shoulder arthrodesis at a hospital between 2014-2021. Inclusion criteria required at least 6 months postoperative follow up and the use of 2 LCPs as the principal method of arthrodesis. Outcomes recorded include clinical assessment, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) scoring, force plate analysis, and a client visual-analogue scale with at least 6 months follow up.

RESULTS

All shoulders were immobilized with 2 LCPs and no postoperative external coaptation. The duration of follow up was 855.9 days (174-2135). Minor complications were recorded in 2/12 dogs, neither requiring surgical revision. Preoperative to postoperative mean lameness scores reduced from 2.9 to 0.8 (0-5), with 11/12 dogs making a full functional recovery, with a mean long-term LOAD score of 12.9 (4-23). Gait analysis was available in 5/12 dogs, placing a mean of 31.9% of their bodyweight on the operated limb, with a mean symmetry index of 8.7%. Owners scores (n = 11/12) were consistent with a high level of satisfaction (9.6/10).

CONCLUSION

Shoulder arthrodesis with 2 LCPs was associated with low morbidity and good outcomes in our clinical setting.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Canine shoulder arthrodesis performed with 2 LCPs should be considered as a suitable alternative in dogs with severe shoulder joint pathology.