Fracture Repair in Cats Using a Conical Coupling Mini 1.9 to 2.5 mm Locking Plate System

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical application of the Fixin mini 1.9 to 2.5 system for the treatment of long bone fractures in cats. We proposed that the Fixin mini system would successfully stabilize long bone fractures in cats with a healing time and complication rate similar to those previously reported for feline fractures using other locking bone plate systems. Materials and Methods Medical records and radiographs of cats with long bone fractures stabilized with the Fixin mini 1.9 to 2.5 system were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, body weight, bone(s) fractured, region of bone fractured, fracture classification, concurrent orthopaedic injuries, complications, time to functional union, if minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis techniques were used, plate size, number of plates, bone graft use and ancillary methods of fixation were recorded. Results Fifty-six fractures in 54 cats were included. Mean time to radiographic union was 8.8 weeks. Complications were recorded in 8 out of 56 fractures. Major complications occurred in 4/56 fractures and minor complications occurred in 4/56 fractures. Conclusion The Fixin mini 1.9 to 2.5 system had an overall complication rate and time to functional union similar to that of other implant systems used to treat feline long bone fractures and it appears suitable for repair of a wide variety of long bone fracture configurations in cats.

A Retrospective Short-Term Evaluation Using a Polyaxial Plating System in 60 Small Animal Fractures

“…18 A third study using Fixin implant system in cats reported an 8.8 week mean time to radiographic union with 14% complication rate; 7% minor and 7% major complication rate. 19 Within that study, major complications consisted of implant deformation in ¾ cases with complications. Comparing our results to previously reported studies, fractures treated with the LLS had similar complication rates to other commercially available implants.…”