Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to describe the use of String of Pearls (SOP) plates for
the surgical management of feline pelvic fractures, including surgical technique,
proposed indications, complications, and outcomes in a cohort of cats.
Study Design This study is a single-center retrospective clinical case series.
Methods Medical records (2015–2019) of cats presenting for pelvic fractures (n = 33) were reviewed. Type of fracture, preoperative and postoperative imaging, and
complications were retrospectively retrieved. Owners were contacted via questionnaire
for medium- and long-term follow-up.
Results A total of 20 cats met the inclusion criteria. Minor intraoperative complications
were encountered in three patients. One patient suffered a major intraoperative complication.
Five major complications were encountered postoperatively. These included two greater
trochanter osteotomy fixation implant removal and three SOP plate removal. Full function
was recovered in all patients according to the owners' assessment.
Clinical Significance The use of SOP plates in feline pelvic fractures appears to yield a consistently
good outcome with a very low incidence of canal narrowing and screw loosening. SOP
plates are easy to contour and to apply along the entire pelvic length.
Keywords
SOP - pelvic fractures - feline - pelvic spanning - locking plates
