ABSTRACT
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. STUDY DESIGN: 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.
