Use of a Modified Intramedullary Pinning Technique for Distal Femoral Physeal Salter-Harris Type I and II Fracture Management: A Retrospective Study of 31 Cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report a modified intramedullary pinning technique, and associated outcomes, for distal femoral physeal Salter-Harris type I and II fracture management in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study including client-owned cats presented between November 2014 and February 2022 with distal femoral physeal fractures treated with an intramedullary pin and one antirotational pin inserted in the lateral femoral condyle. Collected data included signalment, fracture characteristics according to the Salter-Harris classification, surgical data (intramedullary and antirotational pin sizes), and outcome data (radiographic and functional outcomes and complications). RESULTS: Thirty-one cats were included in this study. Bone healing was radiographically confirmed 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively in all cases. The majority of cats (30/31) were classified as full functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. The overall mid-term complication rate was 3% (1/31). Implant migration was not observed and implant removal was not needed in any case. CONCLUSION: The modified intramedullary pinning technique for distal femoral Salter-Harris I and II fracture management in cats was associated with an full functional outcome.

Use of Ultrasonography in Diagnosis of Medial Compartment Disease of the Elbow in Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of medial coronoid process disease in unclear cases. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen elbows (on thirteen dogs) for which radiography and computed tomography did not lead to a clear diagnosis of medial coronoid process disease were included. On each elbow, ultrasonography was performed with a high frequency linear transducer (12-18Hz). Then, arthroscopic examination of the joint was performed by a surgeon who was unaware of ultrasonographic findings to confirm medial coronoid process disease. RESULTS: At least one ultrasonographic lesion was detected in 13 out of 15 elbows. The main reported ultrasonographic lesions were joint effusion (10/15 elbows) and an abnormal shape of the medial coronoid process (irregular, ill-defined or fragmented) (9/15). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography can be a helpful additional diagnostic tool to confirm medial coronoid process disease of the elbow joint before performing arthroscopy in unclear cases. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the use of higher frequency transducers and determine if it could improve the diagnostic value of ultrasonography.