Evaluation of supracondylar femur fractures in cats: a retrospective study

Abstract

Femoral fractures in cats are common and are usually treated using pins and wires, lag screws, intramedullary pins, as well as interlocking pins and plates. Among femur fractures, supracondylar femur fractures have an important place, and both proximal and distal femur fractures are more difficult than diaphyseal fractures. This study, which was conducted on 55 cats with the distal femur and supracondylar fractures, aimed to retrospectively evaluate the results of three different methods used traditionally. These methods were Rush pinning, cross pinning, and locked anatomic plates. Despite the disadvantages of each of the techniques, no problem was found in the application of either of them. No complications, including pin migration or plate and screw related complications, were encountered in the postoperative period. Functional improvement was achieved in all cats. As a result, it can be said that the method to be used in supracondylar fractures in cats varies according to the surgeon's preference and the orthopedic materials in his or her inventory. However, the anatomical locking plates may be preferred due to their advantages, such as not using bandages and starting to use the limb in the early postoperative period.

Keywords

• cats
• cross pinning
• locked l plates
• rush pinning
• supracondylar femur fractures