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Fitzpatrick et al: External skeletal fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures in cats
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • External skeletal fixation (ESF) was successfully applied to a variety of pelvic fracture types in cats, including sacroiliac luxations and ilial body fractures.
  • All fractures achieved radiographic union within 9 weeks, even in comminuted or complex configurations.
  • No intraoperative or long-term complications were reported during the study period.
  • Implant loosening was observed radiographically in 13% of cases, with 8% of pins found to be loose at frame removal.
  • ESF enabled indirect fracture reduction using components as handles, with a limited open approach minimizing soft tissue disruption.
  • No iatrogenic neurological deficits were observed, supporting safe pin placement near neurovascular structures, although some cats presented with pre-existing neurologic signs.
  • No cases required revision surgery, and all cats underwent stabilization solely with ESF as per study inclusion criteria.
  • Postoperative hospitalization ranged from 2 to 5 days, though no comparison to other fixation types was evaluated.

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← Articles

Fitzpatrick et al: External skeletal fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures in cats
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2024

🔍 Key Findings

  • External skeletal fixation (ESF) was successfully applied to a variety of pelvic fracture types in cats, including sacroiliac luxations and ilial body fractures.
  • All fractures achieved radiographic union within 9 weeks, even in comminuted or complex configurations.
  • No intraoperative or long-term complications were reported during the study period.
  • Implant loosening was observed radiographically in 13% of cases, with 8% of pins found to be loose at frame removal.
  • ESF enabled indirect fracture reduction using components as handles, with a limited open approach minimizing soft tissue disruption.
  • No iatrogenic neurological deficits were observed, supporting safe pin placement near neurovascular structures, although some cats presented with pre-existing neurologic signs.
  • No cases required revision surgery, and all cats underwent stabilization solely with ESF as per study inclusion criteria.
  • Postoperative hospitalization ranged from 2 to 5 days, though no comparison to other fixation types was evaluated.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Fitzpatrick 2024 et al., on ESF for pelvic fractures in cats, what was the reported overall fracture healing time?

A. Within 2 weeks
B. Within 4 weeks
C. Within 9 weeks
D. Within 6 months
E. Variable depending on fracture

Answer: Within 9 weeks

Explanation: All fractures healed radiographically within 9 weeks of surgery.
In Fitzpatrick 2024 et al., on ESF for pelvic fractures in cats, what was concluded regarding neurological complications?

A. New neurological deficits occurred in 10% of cats
B. Pre-existing deficits worsened postoperatively
C. No iatrogenic neurological deficits were observed
D. All cats regained normal neurologic function
E. Iatrogenic deficits occurred in 25%

Answer: No iatrogenic neurological deficits were observed

Explanation: Some cats presented with pre-existing deficits, but no new neurologic injuries occurred from ESF placement.
In Fitzpatrick 2024 et al., on ESF for pelvic fractures in cats, what was reported regarding the need for revision surgery?

A. 10% required hip replacement
B. 5% required femoral head ostectomy
C. 2% required reoperation for implant migration
D. No cases required revision surgery
E. Revision rate was not reported

Answer: No cases required revision surgery

Explanation: No revision surgeries (e.g., hip replacement or FHO) were required in this series.
In Fitzpatrick 2024 et al., on ESF for pelvic fractures in cats, what was the typical postoperative hospitalization time?

A. 1–2 days
B. 2–5 days
C. 6–10 days
D. >2 weeks
E. Variable depending on fracture

Answer: 2–5 days

Explanation: Cats were hospitalized for 2–5 days after ESF surgery.
In Fitzpatrick 2024 et al., on ESF for pelvic fractures in cats, what percentage of cases showed implant loosening on follow-up radiographs?

A. 2%
B. 8%
C. 13%
D. 21%
E. 30%

Answer: 13%

Explanation: Implant loosening was identified in 16/125 cases (13%) on radiographic follow-up.

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