Management and long-term outcome of pelvic fractures: a retrospective study of 43 cats

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the management and long-term outcome of cats with pelvic fractures. Methods Cats with pelvic fractures had their records and radiographs reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed for fracture configuration, implants and pelvic canal narrowing. Owners were contacted for long-term follow-up. Results Forty-three cats met the criteria (mean follow-up 24 months [range 6–45 months]). The majority (93%) had more than one orthopaedic pelvic injury, with sacroiliac fracture luxations seen most commonly; 23% had presurgical neurological deficits. Most cats (74%) were managed surgically; 60% of sacroiliac fracture luxations, 82% of ilial fractures and 50% of acetabular fractures received surgery. The complication rate was 22%, most commonly sciatic neurapraxia (13%). Seventy-nine percent of all neurological deficits resolved and the remainder improved. Mean pelvic canal narrowing after trauma was −15% in surgical and −16% in conservatively managed cats. Canal width was improved postoperatively (–8%) but mildly narrowed further by follow-up (–12%); however, these changes were not significant. Nineteen percent of cats had constipation postsurgery; none developed megacolon. There was no clear correlation between the degree of narrowing of the pelvic canal up to −50%, or whether conservative treatment was opted for, and the development of constipation. Long-term mobility was not impaired in 86% of cats, and 84% did not have any lameness detectable. Conclusions and relevance The majority of cats were managed surgically, with a 22% complication rate; the most common being transient sciatic neurapraxia. Long-term outcome was generally excellent and most had a full recovery. Constipation/obstipation was very uncommon and no clear relationship with pelvic canal narrowing could be found when considering narrowing of up to −50% in both surgical and conservative groups. As no cats in this cohort had narrowing greater than −50%, the current recommendation of surgery to improve the canal width if narrowing is greater than −45% to −50% should remain.