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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25(02): 155-159
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-04-0055
Case Report
Schattauer GmbH

Healing of patellar fractures in two kittens

J. V. Hermer
1   The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
,
M. A. Bush
2   Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
,
C. Whiting
3   A30 Referrals, Penmellyn Veterinary Group, St. Columb Major, Cornwall, UK
,
S. J. Langley-Hobbs
1   The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 10 April 2011

Accepted 30 February 2011

Publication Date:
23 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Two kittens aged between four and five months were presented having sustained patellar fractures. In both cases, healing was subsequently documented radiographically; this has not been reported previously in the literature.

One kitten had bilateral patellar fractures – the symptomatic right stifle was treated with a pin and tension-band-wire which later failed, at which point partial patellectomy was performed. The fracture of the left patella was minimally displaced and was treated conservatively. A radiograph of the left patella taken eleven months after initial presentation showed complete healing of the fracture. The second case was treated surgically with a circumferential wire; healing of the fracture was demonstrated radiographically at twelve weeks postoperatively. Radiographic images taken five weeks postoperatively had shown some narrowing of the fracture gap.

These two cases demonstrate that bony union of patellar fractures can be documented, given a long enough duration of radiographic follow-up; circumferential wire was an effective treatment in a displaced fracture, and conservative treatment resulted in complete healing of a minimally displaced fracture.

Keywords

Kitten - patella fracture - bony union - healing process
 

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