title: Feline pantarsal arthrodesis using pre-contoured dorsal plates applied according to the principles of percutaneous plate arthrodesis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the surgical technique for pantarsal arthrodesis (PTA) in cats according to the principles of percutaneous plate arthrodesis with application of a pre-contoured dorsal plate, without external coaptation and to report the long-term clinical outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review was performed of all cats treated by percutaneous plate application using a new pre-contoured dorsal plate for PTA between 2008 and 2011. Inclusion criteria were clinical and radiographic records plus clinical follow-up to at least six weeks. Data recorded included signalment, indication for surgery, postoperative care, and complications encountered. Radiographs were assessed for arthrodesis progression and complications. Outcome was assessed using an owner questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven cats were treated for tarsal injuries and met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 86 ± 45 months, weight 4.50 ± 0.92 kg. The only major short-term complication encountered was wound dehiscence requiring sedation and re-suturing. In the medium-term (23.3 months ± 11.6 months) eight out of nine cats returned to normal activity and one cat showed intermittent lameness. Long-term (34.3 months ±17.5 months) radiographic evaluation was performed in seven out of nine cats; six manifested complete arthrodesis and one sustained plate breakage. Based on owner questionnaire, all nine cats returned to normal activity in the long-term, even the case with plate breakage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on our results, PTA using a custom pre-contoured dorsal plate is a suitable salvage surgery for treatment of severe tarsal injuries in cats.
authors.affiliation: Noel Fitzpatrick, DUniv, MVB, CertSAO, CertVR, Fitzpatrick Referrals, Halfway Lane,, Eashing GU77QQ, United Kingdom, Phone: +44 0148 342 3761, E-mail: NoelF@fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sajik
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farrell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013643:Tarsus, Animal / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Feline; dorsal plate; pantarsal arthrodesis; percutaneous