Trochlear femoral fractures in cats: results of seven cases

Summary

Seven cases of intra-articular fractures of the femoral condyles in cats were reviewed retrospectively. All of the cases involved the trochlea in a pattern that was different from the standard “T” or “L” fracture. Three of the cats were under one year of age. Surgical stabilization involved the use of plates and screws (five cases), crossed screws (one case), and multiple K-wires (one case). Radiographic bony union was demonstrable in all of the cases within 10 weeks. Six (85%) of the cats had a good functional outcome, and one (15%) had a fair outcome (minimum follow-up: four months). Major complications were not observed after post-operative physical and radiological examination.

A retrospective study of seven cats with intra-articular fractures of the femoral trochlea was performed. These fractures were different than the standard “T” or L” fracture, and six of the fractures were comminuted.

Functional outcome of the surgical repair was graded as good, fair or poor. Six of the cats had a good outcome, and one had a fair outcome.

Keywords

Cat - femoral - trochlea - fracture

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