Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2025; 38(04): A1-A35
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810348
POSTER ABSTRACTS

Patellar Groove Replacement in a Cat Using a Canine Mini-Implant

B. W. Minto
1   Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences at Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
C. L. Henemann
2   Postgraduate Program in Animal Science at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
,
S. H. Weber
2   Postgraduate Program in Animal Science at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
,
J. A. U. Oliveira
1   Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences at Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
M. P. S. Veloso
1   Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences at Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
,
J. A. Villanova Jr
2   Postgraduate Program in Animal Science at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
 
 

    Patellar luxation (PD) can be considered a developmental condition. Conventional techniques are sometimes ineffective, as they perpetuate osteoarthritis and maintain chronic pain. We report the placement of a trochlear groove prosthesis in a domestic cat with chronic grade 4 medial PD and severe patellofemoral osteoarthritis using a mini implant designed for dogs. A 21-month-old female cat with left pelvic limb ⅗ grade lameness of 10-month duration was attended at a veterinary hospital. Physical examination showed marked periarticular thickening, reduced femoral muscle mass, and stifle crepitation. Radiographs revealed increased infrapatellar fat pad opacity, decreased joint space between femoral and tibial medial condyles, osteophytosis at the distal patellar margin, and a slight depression in the tibial tuberosity. Trochleoplasty was not recommended due to advanced degenerative joint disease and the placement of a canine #3 trochlear prosthesis was planned. The base plate was fixed with cortical screws and the trochlear prosthesis was attached through Morse taper abutments. Radiographic follow-ups confirmed the adequate position of both the patella and trochlear prosthesis. After 30 days, the cat presented 1/5 grade lameness; after 60 days, represented apparently normal mobility. Despite the chronicity and severity of the case, the surgery had satisfactory outcomes until the past 2 years of postoperative follow-up. We were able to conclude that the use of a trochlear prosthesis to replace the femoral patellar groove is worthy of consideration in cats to correct the alignment of the extensor mechanism, to improve patellar stability, and to manage patellofemoral osteoarthritis-induced lameness.


    Publication History

    Article published online:
    15 July 2025

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