Minimally invasive application of a pre-contoured angle-stable interlocking nail in cats

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to record cases of cats that underwent long-bone fracture stabilisation using minimally invasive nail osteosynthesis with a pre-contoured titanium interlocking nail (Surg'X), and to report outcomes and associated complications.MethodsCats treated with a pre-contoured angle-stable interlocking nail at a single hospital centre between June 2022 and September 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Collected data included the signalment, fracture characteristics, cause of trauma, concomitant injuries, implant size, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes.ResultsA total of 26 cats were included in this study (mean age 63.3 months). One cat died of concomitant injuries. All fractures but one were successfully treated using a minimally invasive approach. One cat required conversion to an open approach owing to a propagation of a fissure through the fracture line during nail insertion. Among the 25 cats available for follow-up, two (8%) minor postoperative complications were noted: one nail flexion and one opening of a fissure line, without affecting the implants. In addition, one (4%) major complication occurred, involving nail fracture. Long-term functional outcomes were evaluated for each patient (12-83 weeks postoperatively) through a questionnaire, demonstrating full functional recovery in all cats. No implant removal was needed.Conclusions and relevanceMinimally invasive nail osteosynthesis of a pre-contoured angle-stable interlocking nail is feasible in cats and associated with a low complication rate and excellent clinical outcomes.