Sternal Dislocation and Associated Lung Lobe Hernia in a Cat

Abstract

Sternal luxation/dislocation is a rare condition and is most often the result of trauma. Medical and surgical management have been described, with scarce information regarding the best treatment option for these cases. A 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented for severe sternal dislocation and a left humeral fracture. Given the displacement observed at the level of the sternum and pain associated, surgical stabilization was elected. A partial lung lobe hernia was identified during the open stabilization of the sternum. Management of the hernia and sternal luxation stabilization were performed with the aid of video-assisted thoracoscopy. The cat recovered uneventfully, and no postoperative complications were reported.

Figure 1

Right lateral thoracic radiograph showing severe cranioventral displacement of the 6^th sternebra, associated with sternal dislocation between the 5^th and 6^th sternebrae and sternal subluxation between the 6^th and 7^th sternebrae. Mild pneumothorax, mild pleural effusion, and subcutaneous emphysema are also visible. The left humeral fracture is partially visualized.

Figure 2

Thoracoscopic views with visualization of (A) the hernia and after the release of (B) the lung lobe.

Figure 3

Right lateral postoperative thoracic radiographs showing proper positioning of the plate and screws. A chest tube is also present. Mild pleural effusion and small patchy areas of increased pulmonary opacity in the ventral and caudodorsal parts of the lung parenchyma remain.