Use of a cerclage cable-plate system to stabilize a periprosthetic femoral fracture after total hip replacement in a dog.

OBJECTIVE

To report the successful use of cerclage cables around the periprosthetic region of a femoral fracture after total hip replacement (THR) in a dog with bone stock too limited for other methods of fixation.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

ANIMAL

6-year-old male neutered, golden retriever.

METHODS

Locking plate fixation of a type-B1 diaphyseal periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) failed 14 days after cementless THR and 6 days after initial femoral fracture repair. Total hip replacement implants seemed unchanged on radiographs, but lateral retraction of the screw-plate construct from the proximal segment was evident. Bone stock was assessed as insufficient for adequate screw purchase, prompting revision of the fixation with cerclage cable fixation of the proximal segment; the cables were anchored to the original locking plate construct with threaded positioning pins that screwed into the locking holes.

RESULTS

Acceptable union was documented on radiographs by 3 months after revision. No lameness and good range of motion of the hip were observed on clinical examination 13 months after surgery. Radiographs at 13 months documented static implant positioning and remodeling at the fracture site.

CONCLUSION

Use of a cable-plate construct to stabilize a type-B1 PFF led to successful long-term outcome in this dog.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Use of a cable-plate construct may be considered to treat type-B1 PFF with limited bone stock.