EXPRESS:Management of Distal Hindlimb Injuries in Cats Using an Exvet External Skeletal Fixation System: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical use of an Exvet external skeletal fixation (ESF) system applied using minimally invasive techniques for the management of distal hindlimb injuries in cats. METHODS: Cats with distal hindlimb injuries treated using the Exvet Tarsal Fixator (ETF) at four institutions between September 2022 and January 2026 were included. Data collected included fracture type, surgical approach, postoperative complications and additional treatments, time to first limb use, time to fixator removal, radiographic findings, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Of 73 cats evaluated, 35 cats with 36 distal hindlimb injuries met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four cats (68.6%) were managed with a closed reduction, while 11 cats (31.4%) were managed with a limited open surgical fashion. Thirty-two of 35 cats (91.4%) started weight bearing immediately after surgery. Complications were recorded in 7 of 35 cases (20.0%), of which 5 cases (14.3%) were classified as minor and 2 cases (5.7%) as major complications. At a mean ESF removal time of 34 days (median: 28 days; range: 21-56 days), a full functional outcome was achieved in 25 of 35 cases (71.4%), while 10 cases (28.6%) showed an acceptable functional outcome. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The ETF is an anatomically designed ESF implant specifically developed for feline distal hindlimb injuries. The findings of this multicenter retrospective study support its safe and effective use for the management of feline distal hindlimb injuries.