Management of feline distal tibial fractures using a hybrid external skeletal fixator
P G Witte1, M A Bush, H W Scott
1Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Forest Corner Farm, Hangersley, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3JW.
Objective:
To document the results of management of feline distal tibial fractures with circular-linear hybrid external skeletal fixators.
Methods:
Retrospective examination of case records and radiographs of cats with distal tibial fractures managed with hybrid external skeletal fixators. Signalment, pre-operative fracture conformation, post-operative fracture reduction, implant complications, time to tibial and fibular fracture healing and time to hybrid external skeletal fixators removal were analysed.
Results:
Case records of eight cats were reviewed and included three closed fractures and five type 1 open fractures. Post-operative fracture reduction was considered appropriate in all cases. Healing of five tibial fractures was complete and hybrid external skeletal fixators were removed within a mean of 13 weeks. Healing of the fibular fracture was complete within a mean of 12 · 1 weeks. Three tibial fractures demonstrated non-union and were revised after a mean duration of 24 weeks. All three non-union fractures were open on presentation.
Clinical Significance:
Feline distal tibial fractures may be managed with hybrid external skeletal fixators, however, non-union still occurs. In this study type I open feline distal tibial fractures appeared more likely to develop non-union.
