EXPRESS: Minimally invasive application of a precontoured angle-stable interlocking nail in cats

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to record cases of cats that underwent long bone fracture stabilization using minimally invasive nail osteosynthesis with a precontoured titanium interlocking nail (Surg'X®), and to report outcomes and associated complications. METHODS: Cats treated with a precontoured angle-stable interlocking nail at a single hospital center between June 2022 and September 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Collected data included the signalment, fracture characteristics, cause of trauma, concomitant injuries, implant size, as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 26 cats were included in this study (mean age 5.2 years). One cat died of concomitant disease. All but one fractures were successfully treated using a minimally invasive approach. One cat required conversion to an open approach due to a propagation of a fissure through the fracture line during nail insertion. Among the 25 cats available for follow-up, two minor post-operative complications (8%) were noted: one nail flexion and one opening of a fissure line, without affecting the implants. Additionally, one major complication occurred (4%), involving nail fracture. Long-term functional outcomes were evaluated for each patient (12 to 83 weeks postoperatively) through a questionnaire, demonstrating full functional recovery in all cats. No implant removal was needed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Minimally invasive nail osteosynthesis of a precontoured angle-stable interlocking is feasible in cats, and associated with a low complication rate and excellent clinical outcomes.