Surgical management of a traumatic calcaneal fracture in a kitten using three-dimensional CT imaging

Abstract

Case summary:

A 4-month-old castrated male Birman kitten (2.2 kg) presented with a recent history of non-weightbearing lameness in the right hindlimb after blunt trauma. Significant orthopaedic examination findings included instability at the right proximal intertarsal joint level. Radiographic abnormalities included a medial slab fracture of the right calcaneus. Further evaluation with a three-dimensional CT scan revealed a comminuted, intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Images from three-dimensional CT fracture reconstruction were used for surgical planning. Partial tarsal arthrodesis was performed using two 1.1 mm Kirschner wires and a 22 G tension band wire. Additional 24 G cerclage was applied around the distal calcaneus to augment stability. Radiographs at 6 weeks confirmed bone union, and the implants were removed. Nine months after the accident, the cat was fully active with no residual lameness as assessed by the owner.

Relevance and novel information:

Calcaneal fractures in cats are rare and surgically challenging, particularly in skeletally immature animals. This report documents successful surgical stabilisation of a traumatic, comminuted calcaneal fracture using CT-guided planning. It highlights the utility of three-dimensional imaging for accurate fracture classification and surgical planning, particularly in an unusual feline orthopaedic case.