The treatment of supracondylar and diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats using intramedullary two-way stacked Kirschner wire application

Abstract

Femoral fractures in cats are treated using pin and wires, lag screws, Rush pins, intramedullary threaded pins, interlocking pins, clamp rod internal fixators, and plates or plate-rods. In this study, 14 cats brought to the surgery clinic between the years 2010 and 2015 for fracture, due to either a road traffic accident or falling from a height, were evaluated. Following clinical and radiological examination of the cases, the type and location of the fracture, details of the applied fixation method, and postoperative clinical and radiological results were assessed. Localization of the fractures was as follows: 4 comminuted diaphyseal (1 segmental), 6 comminuted distal, and 4 uncomplicated distal transversal fractures. All fractures were closed. Following intramedullary positioning of the pins, rigid stabilization was observed in the fracture line. In the case of the segmental fracture, better stabilization was achieved when the medullary canal was completely filled. The patients were able to use their extremities 3-5 days after surgery and started walking normally from postoperative day 10. Functional healing was seen to improve gradually. Radiographic examination revealed sufficient calli to have formed between days 32 and 44. Complete healing and return to function with no complications was recorded in all the cases.