Abstract
Objective The aim of this article was to report the surgical technique and clinical outcome
of a modified cross-pin technique for the treatment of distal tibial physeal fractures
in cats without postoperative external coaptation.
Study Design This study was a retrospective clinical study.
Animals A total of 9 cats were presented with fracture of the distal tibial physis.
Materials and Methods Medical records from July 2014 to September 2018 were reviewed. In all cases, a second
medial and a craniolateral Kirschner wires were added to the traditional cross-pin
technique. Information reviewed included orthogonal radiographs pre- and post-surgery
and at subsequent re-examinations, subjective assessment of lameness and passive range
of motion, veterinary clinical assessment and completion of a functional questionnaire
(feline musculoskeletal pain index) at the time of writing this report. Eight owners
completed the questionnaire. The mean questionnaire follow-up time was 12.7 months.
Results Uncomplicated fracture healing occurred in all patients. Two patients required implant
removal due to Kirschner wire migration and protrusion through the skin at 5 and 12
months post-surgery. No other complications were noticed. Eight patients had an excellent
outcome, and one patient had a good outcome.
Conclusion Distal tibial physeal fractures in cats can be treated successfully with the use
of a modified cross-pin technique and without the use of external coaptation. Prognosis
should be considered favourable for this type of fracture.
Keywords
fracture repair - physeal fracture - feline - tibia - physis
