Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2022; 35(02): 134-142
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742184
Clinical Communication

Limb-Sparing Surgery in Two Cats Using a Femoral Endoprosthesis with an Integrated Total Knee Replacement Implant

Eirik Kvale
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Orthopaedics and Neurology, Godalming, United Kingdom
2   Fredrikstad Dyrehospital, Fredrikstad, Norway
,
Rocio Chicon Rueda
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Orthopaedics and Neurology, Godalming, United Kingdom
,
Noel Fitzpatrick
1   Fitzpatrick Referrals, Orthopaedics and Neurology, Godalming, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to describe a novel limb-sparing technique for the management of feline bone neoplasia using a custom-made femoral endoprosthesis in combination with a total knee replacement (TKR) prosthesis.

Methods Two cats with distal femoral bone tumours underwent pelvic limb salvage procedures with custom-made implants designed from patient-specific computed tomography images to replace the distal femur and the stifle. In case 1, the first-generation implant was a combination of a cemented femoral endoprosthesis with a uniaxial hinged cemented TKR prosthesis. Due to aseptic loosening of the endoprosthesis, revision was performed with a second-generation femoral endoprosthesis modified with a short intramedullary peg and a lateral bone plate for immediate stability. In case 2, a third-generation endoprosthesis with an intramedullary peg and two orthogonal bone plates for immediate stability, combined with a custom-designed rotationally hinged cemented TKR prosthesis, was used. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was recorded.

Results After revision surgery in case 1 and with the third-generation implant in case 2, no complications were encountered. Both cats showed minor mechanical restriction of stifle range of motion and good clinical long-term outcome without local tumour recurrence.

Conclusion The combination of a femoral endoprosthesis and a TKR prosthesis can be a viable alternative for distal femoral limb salvage in cats.

Authors' Contributions

E.K. was involved in study design, acquisition of data, manuscript and figure preparation and manuscript review. R.C.R. designed study, acquired data and reviewed manuscript. N.F. was involved in study design, manuscript review, primary surgeon for all performed surgeries in both cats and concept and design of implants and technique.




Publication History

Received: 08 May 2021

Accepted: 03 December 2021

Article published online:
18 January 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 
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