Abstract Objective To evaluate the applicability and clinical effectiveness of a modified clamp‐rod internal fixation (M‐CRIF) system compared with conventional locking plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of feline corpus ilium fractures. Study design Prospective, controlled clinical study. Animals Thirty‐six client‐owned cats with corpus ilium fractures. Methods Cats were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (M‐CRIF, n = 18) and Group II (locking plate, n = 18). All fractures were stabilized with a lateral approach. Radiographic healing, sacral index (SI), and complications were assessed at postoperative days 21, 45, 60, and 120. Long‐term outcomes were assessed using owner questionnaires addressing mobility and defecation. Results Fracture union was achieved in all cats. Healing scores increased over time in both groups ( p < .05). At day 45, Group I showed higher healing scores than Group II ( p = .002). Sacral index narrowing was lower in Group I ( p = .005). Implant‐related complications occurred in 22.2% (4/18) of cats in the plate group, including screw loosening and one revision surgery, whereas no screw loosening was observed in the M‐CRIF group. Preoperative neurological deficits were present in 22.2% of cats, decreasing to 5.5% postoperatively. Owner questionnaires indicated satisfactory mobility, although some discrepancies with clinical and radiographic findings were observed. Conclusion The M‐CRIF system provided greater stability, fewer complications, and better preservation of the pelvic canal than locking plates. Clinical significance This study is the first clinical evaluation of the M‐CRIF system in feline ilial fractures and demonstrates favorable outcomes, supporting its use as a reliable alternative to conventional plating.
Saylak et al. (Thu,) studied this question.