Download PDF
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2011; 24(02): 137-141
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-09-12-0129
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Fixation of pelvic floor fractures in cats

N. M. Kipfer
1   Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty University, Zurich, Switzerland
,
P. M. Montavon
1   Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Vetsuisse Faculty University, Zurich, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 21 December 2009

Accepted: 27 January 2010

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

    Permissions and Reprints

Summary

Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate the outcome of internal fixation of trauma-related pelvic floor fractures using a ventral abdominal approach in cats.

Methods: Clinical examination and radio-graphic findings at presentation, after surgery, and at follow-up were assessed. Information gathered included concurrent injuries, surgical technique used, lameness and pain scores, and radiographic signs of implant stability.

Results: Ten European shorthair cats were included in the study. Pelvic floor fractures were stabilised using locking plates in nine cats, and symphyseal separation was fixated using hemicerclage wire in one cat. Additional procedures included reduction of sacroiliac luxation in nine cats with positional screws placed in six cats, and plate stabilization of sacral fractures in one cat.

All cats were able to walk within five days of surgery. No orthopaedic or neurological deficits were observed in seven cats at follow-up. Neurological deficits were observed in one cat. Signs of pain at implant sites due to inadequate surgical technique were noted in two cats. Anatomical reduction of the pelvic floor was achieved in eight cats.

Clinical significance: Stabilization of the pelvic floor and repair of sacroiliac luxation and other injuries by a ventral abdominal approach in cats led to an overall successful outcome. Fixation of the pelvic floor in cats with intact acetabular and ilial bones should be considered in patients with multiple pelvic fractures in combination with sacroiliac joint luxation or sacral fracture, pelvic canal narrowing, traumatic abdominal hernia, and other abdominal injuries.

Keywords

Pelvic floor fracture - internal fixation - ventral approach - cat

 

  • References

  • 1 Betts CW.. Pelvic fractures. In: Slatter D. editor Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. 2nd Edition Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1993: 1769-1786.
    Google Scholar
  • 2 DeCamp CE. Principles of pelvic fracture management. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim) 1992; 7: 63-70.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Phillips IR. A survey of bone fractures in the dog and cat. J Small Anim Pract 1979; 20: 661-674.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Ljunggren G. Fractures in the dog: A study of breed, sex, and age distribution. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1971; 81: 158-164.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Piermattei DL, Johnson KA. Approach to the pelvis and pelvic symphysis. In: An Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones and Joints of Dog and Cat 4th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2004: 322-325.
    Google Scholar
  • 6 Bookbinder PF, Flanders JA. Characteristics of pelvic fractures in the cat. Vet Comp Orthop Trauma-tol 1992; 5: 122-127.
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Messmer M, Montavon PM. Pelvic fractures in the dog and cat: a classification system and review of 556 cases. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2004; 17: 167-183.
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Denny HR. Pelvic fractures in the dog: a review of 123 cases. J Small Anim Pract 1978; 19: 151-166.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Voss K, Langley Hobbs SJ, Borer L. Pelvis – Treatment of selected surgical diseases and injuries: Chapter 36 hip joint. In: Montavon PM, Voss K, Langely Hobbs SJ. editors Feline orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal disease. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders; 2009: 423-441.
    Google Scholar
  • 10 Tile M. Pelvic ring fractures; should they be fixed?. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1988; 70: 1-12.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Borer LR, Voss K, Montavon PM. Ventral abdominal approach for screw fixation of sacroiliac luxation in clinically affected cats. Am J Vet Res 2008; 69: 549-556.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Borer LR, Voss K, Montavon PM. Ventral abdominal approach for screw fixation of sacroiliac luxation in cadavers of cats and dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2008; 69: 542-548.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Messmer M, Rytz U, Spreng D. Urethral entrapment following pelvic fracture fixation in a dog. J Small Anim Pract 200 42: 341-344.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Sikes Jr JW, Smith BR, Mukherjee DP. et al. Comparison of fixation strengths of locking head and conventional screws, in fracture and reconstruction models. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1998; 56: 468-473.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Söderholm AL, Lindqvist C, Skutnabb K. et al. Bridging of mandibular defects with two different reconstruction systems: an experimental study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1991; 49: 1098-1105.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Smeak DD, Olmsread M. Fracture/luxations of the sacrococcygeal area in the cat: A retrospective study of 51 cases. Vet Surg 1985; 14: 319-326.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Kolata RJ, Johnston DE. Motor vehicle accidents in urban dogs: a study of 600 cases. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1975; 167: 938-941.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Anderson A, Coughlan AR. Sacral fractures in dogs and cats: a classification scheme and review of 51 cases. J Small Anim Pract 1997; 38: 404-409.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar