Feline ilial fractures: assessment of screw loosening and pelvic canal narrowing after lateral plating

Abstract

Objective: To report the incidence of (1) screw loosening and (2) severity of pelvic canal narrowing in cats after repair of ilial fractures by a lateral bone plate.

Study design: Case series.

Animals: Cats (n=21) with ilial fractures.

Methods: Medical records (June 1994 to February 2004) and radiographs were reviewed. Retrieved data were: signalment, fracture description, screw purchase, screw loosening, complications, and clinical outcome. Sacral index (SI) was used to objectively assess degree of pelvic canal narrowing. Long-term follow-up was by owner telephone interview or postal questionnaire.

Results: Screw loosening occurred in 13 cats (62%), with a mean loss of total screw purchase of 13% (range, 0-46%). Pelvic canal narrowing (mean decrease, 25%; range, 5-60%) occurred in all cats. Six cats (28%) had severe pelvic canal narrowing (mean, 52%); 5 of these had signs of recurrent constipation within 12 months postoperatively. Mean loss of total screw purchase in cats with severe pelvic narrowing was 28% compared with 9% for all other cats with narrowing.

Conclusions: Lateral plating of ilial fractures in cats is associated with a high incidence of screw loosening.

Clinical relevance: Pelvic canal narrowing >45% is associated with a high risk of recurrent constipation.