Femoral Epiphyseal Fracture (Feline)

"Boots", a 1 1/2 year old male domestic long haired cat, was hit by a car and was unable to support weight in his hindquarters. After initial treatment for shock and pain management, radiographs were taken of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis and rear limbs.

One of the weakest points of the bones of young animals is the epiphyseal plate or "growth" plate. Growth plates are located near the ends of the long bones and are composed of cartilage which is weaker than the surrounding bone. The growth plates have usually "closed" by one year of age, but this weaker point is still a common place for fractures to occur. On the radiographs above, the end of the fractured femur or thigh bone (A) is seen separated from the end of the bone (B) and the the knee or stifle joint (C). In addition, the head of the femur (D) has pushed through fracturing the acetabulum or socket of the hip (compare with the other normal side).

The top image shows the patient being prepared for surgery. The bottom image is of the patient after surgery has been completed. The stainless steel intramedullary pin can be seen protruding through the hip. The next step is to take a follow-up radiograph to see if the pin placement is correct. If so, the pin is then cut off just below the skin where it can be located and removed later.

This image is of the post-operative radiograph. Although it is difficult to see, the intramedullary pin is centered inside the bone, lining up the bone fragments so that healing can take place. The pin can usually be removed in about six weeks.