Decision making in feline pelvic fracture repair

Abstract

Pelvic fractures are common in cats and are usually traumatic in origin. The box-like construction of the pelvis means that if a fracture is present in one region, other fractures are likely present elsewhere in the pelvis. Surgery is indicated for fractures of the weight-bearing axis (sacroiliac fracture or luxation, iliac body fractures, acetabular fractures), those resulting in pelvic narrowing, and those which result in neurological dysfunction or severe pain. Fractures of the pelvic floor and ischia are often treated conservatively. Challenges faced during feline pelvic fracture repair include difficulty securing implants in the thin bone of the iliac wing, the limited bone stock for implant placement, the need to avoid damage to the coxofemoral joint and the proximity of the lumbosacral trunk and sciatic nerves to the fracture site. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the pelvis and careful pre-operative planning maximises the chance of a successful outcome following surgery.