Bilateral PAX locking plate fixation in cat

Treatment of a highly comminuted humeral condylar fracture in a cat using bilateral PAX locking plate fixation

A cat was presented to Eastcott Referrals after being attacked by a dog. A bite wound to the elbow region had caused a highly comminuted fracture of the humeral condyle and distal shaft.

Cat with cumminuted humeral condylar  fracture

Preoperative radiographs showing a highly comminuted fracture of the left distal humerus.

 

A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed to establish whether the articular component could be reconstructed. 

3D CT reconstruction of the left elbow prior to surgery

3D CT reconstruction of the left elbow prior to surgery

 

Despite the catastrophic nature of the fracture it was possible to reconstruct the articular surface using a lag screw across the humeral condyle. The condyle was reattached to the shaft of the humerus using bilateral PAX locking plates. 12 weeks following surgery the cat had returned to normal activity and follow up radiographs showed complete healing of the fracture.

 

12-weeks post-operative radiographs

12-weeks post-operative radiographs

Duncan Barnes

Surgery was carried out by Duncan Barnes MA VetMB CertSAS MRCVS. Duncan is happy to discuss or give advice on all matters relating to small animal veterinary orthopaedics. Please phone 01793 528341 or email Eastcott Referrals

Examples of orthopaedic cases seen

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