Arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joints in a cat with a two hole advanced locking plate system.

This report describes the successful use of the novel fixed-angle locking plating system ALPS (advanced locking plate system) in the case of dorsal tarsometatarsal instability in a cat. Partial arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joint was performed with a two hole ALPS 5 and two 2.4 mm selftapping locking screws through a small dorsal approach. Five days after the surgery the cat was walking without lameness. Radiographs made after six weeks showed uneventful healing. ALPS offers an alternative to existing plating systems when selecting an implant for the stabilisation of dorsal tarsometatarsal instabilities in cats.