Objective The aim of this study was to document application of locking plates for stabilization of acetabular fractures along with complications and clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that complications and clinical outcomes would be comparable to historical reports using non-locking plate and screw constructs. Study Design Medical records of dogs presented with acetabular fractures at a single referral centre between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed. Cases surgically managed by open reduction and internal fixation, involving placement of at least one locking plate and screws, were included. Signalment, fracture classification, type of implant used, additional methods of stabilization, along with complications and neurological deficits, were collected. Long-term follow-up was based on Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire. Results Eighteen acetabula were repaired in 17 dogs. Locking implants were VetLOX (4/18), string-of-pearls (7/18) and locking compression plates (7/18). Locking plates and screws were used as the sole method of fixation in 10/18 acetabula, and as adjunctive fixation with other implants in 8/18 acetabula. Two minor complications and one catastrophic complication were reported. Sixteen of seventeen dogs returned to function with radiographic documentation of fracture healing. Complication rate was comparable to historic reports using non-locking implants. Long-term outcomes assessed by Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire were positive in most cases. Conclusion Locking plates are a viable means of stabilizing acetabular fractures in dogs and can provide positive clinical outcomes. Surprisingly, problems including inaccurate fracture reduction and implant loosening were not fully avoided by use of locking implants but incidence was low.

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Objectives The aim of this study was to report the use, complications and perioperative outcome of locking compression plates (LCP) for acetabular fracture fixation in feline patients. Methods Medical records were reviewed for cats presented with acetabular fractures between 2011 and 2019. Only cases that involved open reduction and internal fixation with at least one LCP and had a minimum of 5-week postoperative follow-up were included. Long-term follow-up was based on the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index. Results Fifteen cats with 15 acetabular fractures met the inclusion criteria. Locking compression plates were used as a sole method of fixation in 11/15 cases, while with other ancillary implants in 4/15 cases. There were two minor complications related to the LCP consisting of a single screw backing out. Two major perioperative complications not related to the locking implants were described and required further surgical treatment. At the last clinical follow-up (median 46 days: 38–88 days), function was described as full for 7/15 cats, and acceptable for 8/15 cats. The Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index questionnaire was completed by 9/15 owners at a median of 2,332 days; all owners reported their cats had minimal impairment. Clinical Significance Based on our results, LCP is a suitable implant for acetabular fracture fixation in cats, associated with a satisfactory outcome. Complications were similar to previously reported with other methods.

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Complete tibiofibular ligament rupture leading to instability of the talocrural joint was diagnosed in a cat after a slow-speed car accident. Concomitant injuries included fracture of the proximal fibula and talocalcaneocentral luxation. In humans, an injury that includes a proximal fibular fracture and disruption of the tibiofibular ligament is described as a Maisonneuve fracture. Restoration of the tibiofibular ligament was achieved with a 1.5 mm positional screw, which also restored stability to the talocrural joint. A 2.0 mm screw was used to reduce the talocalcaneocentral luxation. No complications related to implants and healing process were registered at clinical follow-up after 8 weeks and on radiographs. A satisfactory return to function was documented long-term at 18 months postoperatively. From this clinical experience, the tibiofibular ligament appears to play an important role in maintaining stability to the lateral aspect of the talocrural joint and cats with proximal fibular fractures should be checked for concurrent tibiofibular ligament rupture as seen in the Maisonneuve fracture in humans.