Features of intramedullary osteosynthesis of thoracic limbs in cats

Abstract

The purpose of the study: to study the features of the treatment of fractures of the metacarpal bones in cats using intramedullary osteosynthesis. The study included 14 cats with injuries to one or more metacarpals. Fractures in each cat were classified after viewing radiographs according to topography and type (transverse, oblique, or comminuted) of fractures. Group 1 (n=8) was treated with a pin. Osteosynthesis was performed for closed fractures involving only one metacarpal bone. Group 2 (n=6) was treated by combined pinning with external coaptation. Intramedullary fixation has been used in Russia for more than 25 years to treat fractures of the ulna and radius, but metacarpal bones in general are rarely treated surgically, so these studies are relevant. Metacarpals III (n=9) and IV (n=13), which carry the main load, were most often affected, metacarpal II (n=6) was less common, metacarpal I was not broken in anyone. Of the 14 cats, 11 (78.5 %) had associated injuries. Intramedullary osteosynthesis or intramedullary osteosynthesis in combination with external co-optation gives positive results. The outcome of intramedullary fixation in combination with external co-option was satisfactory when the fixed bones served as a support for short and fragmented bones and helped to maintain a normal position. As the number of bone fractures increased, so did the incidence of malunion and, in multiple fractures, external coaptation does not maintain proper alignment during the healing period.