33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives
This retrospective study aimed to describe fluoroscopically-assisted closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of sacroiliac luxations (SIL) in cats and to assess clinical and radiographic long-term outcome.

Study design
Percutaneous fixation of 17 SILs in 11 cats was performed with 2.4 mm cannulated screws (VOI-MOVORA, Zurich, Switzerland) under fluoroscopic guidance. Luxation-reduction, screw placement, screw purchase within the sacral body, pelvic canal diameter ratio and hemipelvic canal width ratio were assessed on pre- and postoperative radiographs. Radiographic follow-up was performed to assess the same parameters when available. Long-term clinical outcome was evaluated with an owner questionnaire. Wilcoxon paired-test was performed for comparison.

Results
Mean age and body weight of the cats were 3.3±2.6 years and 4.0±0.82 kg respectively. Nine cats presented with concurrent pelvic injuries. Median luxation-reduction was 94.4±7.8% and median screw purchase within the sacral body was 75.3±17.7% immediately postoperatively. One screw exited the sacral body caudally. Upon 7-week radiographic follow-up, percentages of luxation-reduction (88.3±20.1%) and screw purchase (70.7± 12.8%) had decreased significantly compared to immediately postoperatively (p=0.008 and p=0.013 respectively). Screw migration was not observed. Pelvic canal diameter ratio and hemipelvic canal width ratio measured on postoperative radiographs indicated successful restoration of the pelvic canal width. Owners reported an excellent long-term functional outcome (mean postoperative-time: 19±5 months).

Conclusion
Fluoroscopically-assisted closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using 2.4 mm cannulated screws is a feasible technique for fixation of SIL in cats. This technique allowed good reduction, optimal screw purchase within the sacral body avoiding screw migration, and excellent long-term functional outcome.