Evaluation of Figure-of-eight Cerclage Wire Technique for Distal Femoral Physis Fractures (Salter-Harris Type I and Type II) in Cats

This study aimed to present information regarding the technique and results regarding the figure-of-eight cerclage wire application in the treatment of salter-harris type I and II fractures of the distal femoral physis in cats. This study included 30 cats with femoral fractures in one extremity.

The evaluated data included animal characteristics (species, age and sex), fracture characteristics (etiology, duration, salter-harris classification, preoperative and postoperative displacement), surgical information (cerclage wire diameter and duration of surgery) and outcome assessment information (functional results, radiographic results and complications). Bone healing was observed between 6–8 weeks on postoperative radiographic evaluation in all cases. Long-term outcome assessments revealed complete functional results in most animals (96.6%, n=28). The overall complication rate was 26.6% (n=8) and all complications were classified as minor. Radiographs of the affected and contralateral extremities indicated shortening in 27 cats, but this finding was not statistically significant, either clinically or radiographically, considering the functional results. Preoperative fracture displacement was 3^rd degree in most patients (70%, n=21), in which figure-of-eight cerclage wire techniques were assessed.

Postoperative evaluation revealed 85% anatomical reduction or minimal malreduction. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that figure-of-eight cerclage wire application could be preferred as an alternative technique for the treatment of salter-harris type I and II fractures of the distal femoral physis in cats.