Management of feline distal tibial fractures using a hybrid external skeletal fixator.

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.