Arthroscopic assessment for patellar injuries and novel suture repair of patellar fracture in a cat.

Abstract

A 4 yr old spayed female domestic shorthair was evaluated for an acute, nonweight-bearing, left hind limb lameness. Following 2 wk of conservative management without clinical improvement, the patient was referred for further examination. The stifle was palpably enlarged with suspected periarticular fibrosis. Radiographs showed a lateral longitudinal patellar fracture as well as a medial patellar luxation. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle and repair of the patellar fracture and luxation were performed with an excellent clinical outcome. Nine weeks postoperatively, the owners reported that the cat was using the leg normally inside, and re-examination revealed no pain or crepitus with manipulation of the limb. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported use of arthroscopy as a diagnostic tool and of suture reduction for fracture repair in the management of feline patellar injury.