Feline ilial fractures: a prospective study of dorsal plating and comparison with lateral plating.

Objective: To (1) report a technique for repair of feline ilial fractures using a dorsally applied bone plate and (2) compare outcome with cats treated by a lateral plate.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Animals: Cats (n=10) with iliac fractures.

Methods: Cats with ilial fractures (January 2005-December 2006) were treated by application of a dorsally applied bone plate. Immediate postoperative radiographs were compared with those taken 4-6 weeks later to assess screw loosening, screw purchase, and pelvic canal narrowing. Owners were contacted for medium-term (>3 month) follow-up. Data were compared with a report of outcome after lateral plating (LP) in 21 cats.

Results: Mean (+/- SD) screw purchase (89 +/- 11 mm) was significantly greater (P<.01) with a dorsal plate compared with a lateral plate (33 +/- 8 mm). Significantly more screws (P<.01) were used with a dorsal plate (median, 7) compared with a lateral plate (median, 6). Significantly less postoperative pelvic canal narrowing developed in the dorsal plating group between postoperative and 4-6-week follow-up radiography compared with the LP group (2% versus 15%, P<.01).

Conclusion: Dorsal plating of feline ilial fractures results in significantly less screw loosening and pelvic canal narrowing at 4-6 weeks after surgery compared with LP.

Clinical Relevance: Dorsal plating of feline iliac fractures may reduce complications associated with pelvic canal narrowing such as constipation and megacolon.