Successful Management of Quadriceps Contracture in a Cat Using a Dynamic Flexion Apparatus

J.M. Liptak; D.J. Simpson

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1632629

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2000; 13(01): 44-48
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632629

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Successful Management of Quadriceps Contracture in a Cat Using a Dynamic Flexion Apparatus

J.M. Liptak

¹Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

,

D.J. Simpson

¹Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

A comminuted, grade I open femoral fracture in an immature cat was repaired using stacked veterinary cuttable plates in a bridging fashion. The cat subsequently developed quadriceps contracture with stifle hyperextension and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle. Adhesions between the quadriceps muscle and fracture callus were released and a dynamic flexion apparatus used to prevent recurrence of quadriceps contracture by encouraging leg use and lengthening of the quadriceps muscles. The range of motion in the stifle improved from 35° to 130° and the cat maintained excellent use of the leg without recurrence of quadriceps contracture.

Quadriceps contracture was diagnosed in an immature cat after biological repair of a comminuted femoral fracture using stacked veterinary cuttable plates in a bridging fashion. The quadriceps contracture was successfully managed with release of adhesions between the vastus intermedius and fracture callus, application of a dynamic flexion apparatus, and an intensive physiotherapy program.

Keywords

Quadriceps contracture - femoral fracture - biological repair - dynamic Oexion apparatus

Full Text

References

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