Assessment of diaphyseal long bone fracture healing in cats using radiography, ultrasonography and doppler impedance index

Color Doppler ultrasonography evaluates blood flow and neovascularization in vessels, assessing Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistive Index (RI) values. The primary objective of this study is to monitor the healing periods of fractures using color Doppler ultrasonography index values, thereby preventing complications through objective data. The emphasis is particularly on establishing the foundation for studies aimed at early detection of delays in vascularization associated with fracture healing. The research involved 20 cats of various breeds and genders, aged 1 to 4 years, diagnosed with femur and tibia diaphyseal fractures. Mediolateral and anteroposterior radiographs were taken on postoperative days 0, 10, 20, and 30. The fracture site was examined using color Doppler ultrasonography. As a result of the study, using Doppler ultrasonography and radiography, neovascular areas from fracture formation to callus formation were converted into objective data through vascular indices. Particularly noteworthy was a significant increase in RI and PI values observed on the postoperative 10th day. It was deduced that the detection of fracture healing could occur earlier with the assistance of these index values when compared to radiographs taken on the 10th and 30th days. In conclusion, PI and RI values may be important parameters in evaluating the healing process in complex fractures, especially in determining complications and monitoring the progress of healing. Moreover, Doppler indices might be employed to complement traditional diagnostic approaches in the early detection of pathological bone conditions