Abstract

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of the supra- cutaneous plating technique for the repair of tibial shaft fractures in cats. Six cats with tibial shaft fractures were selected following a thorough physical and radiographic evaluation. 2.4 mm or 2.7 mm locking compression plate (LCP) was fixed on the medial side of the tibia with a minimum of two screws (of varying length) inserted bicortically in both the fracture fragments to stabilize the fracture fragments. By the 60th postoperative day, complete bony union and satisfactory functional recovery were observed in all the cats except for Cat 1, which experienced delayed healing and skin ulceration at the screw-skin interface. The supra- cutaneous plating technique was non-invasive, eliminating the need for skin incisions during its application and removal. It provided adequate stability for fracture healing without any implant failures and did not hinder the mobility of the contralateral limb due to its low profile.