Evaluation of the transarticular external skeletal fixator for the treatment of tarsocrural instability in 32 cats

The medical records of all cats with tarsocrural joint instability that were treated between June 2002 and December 2008 at the Royal Veterinary College were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 32 cats were identified. Information gathered included signalment, type of injury (subluxation or luxation), concurrent fractures, presence of soft tissue wounds, transarticular external skeletal fixation (TESF) type, configuration of TESF (number of pins proximal and distal to the joint), duration of hospitalisation, duration of TESF prior to removal, complications and cost. A significant association was identified between the length of hospitalisation and the presence of wounds. Similarly a significant association was present between wounds and final cost of treatment. Additionally, the authors found that a high number of implant related complications were present when only two pins were used proximal and distal to the tarsocrural joint, but this association was not significant.