Transarticular external fixation in a cat with comminuted distal tibial fracture

Abstract

This research was focused on young feline cat having a comminuted fracture in the distal third of the right tibia with severe soft tissue trauma. Diagnosis was carried out from a radiological study. The extensive area of the damaged soft tissue influenced the selection of a bilateral external fixation system with methyl methacrylate. Nails were placed in the proximal and distal tibia. A transarticular fixation of the tarsus was performed by extending the external fixator to the metatarsals. The tarsal joint was immobilized for seven weeks, which guaranteed greater stability to the fracture. The bone callus began to form at 15 days post-surgery and stopped claudication at 25 days. The fixation system was removed at seven weeks when the fracture had consolidated and the bone remodeling process had begun.