Acta Vet. Brno 2026, 95: 157-164
Treatment of Monteggia fractures in cats with external fixation
, Ali Hayat, Ünal Yavuz, Kübra Dikmen İlginoğlu, Mehmet Salih Karadağ, Mehmet Sıdık Hurma
Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery, Şanlıurfa, Turkiye
Received September 15, 2025
Accepted June 15, 2026
Monteggia fractures (MFs) are rare and challenging injuries to treat in cats, characterized by a proximal ulnar fracture with radial head luxation. This retrospective case series aimed to describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes of an epoxy resin-supported Type 1a linear transarticular external fixator (EF) with temporary elbow-spanning configuration used in feline Type I MF cases. Ten cats diagnosed with Type I MF between 2020 and 2024 were included. All fractures resulted from falls from height and were treated using open reduction. Postoperative evaluation included radiographic fracture healing, clinical limb function (lameness score and Campbell test), and complication rates. Data were primarily analysed using descriptive statistics, and interobserver agreement for radiographic assessment was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The mean radiographic healing time was 40.5 ± 5.8 days. Eight cases showed normal healing (< 60 days), while two exhibited delayed union. No cases of malunion, nonunion, or fixation failure were observed. Mild pin tract infections occurred in three cases and resolved with local treatment. Interobserver agreement for radiographic evaluation was high (ICC = 0.91). Acceptable functional outcomes were observed in most cases, including selected cats with intra-articular ulnar involvement. In conclusion, the use of an epoxy resin-supported Type 1a linear transarticular EF with temporary elbow-spanning stabilisation may represent a viable treatment option for selected feline Type I MF cases. However, careful case selection, meticulous surgical technique, and cautious interpretation of outcomes are warranted.
