Cross-pin stabilisation of a distal femoral physeal fracture in a miniature Rex rabbit

Abstract

This case report details the presentation, treatment and medium-term follow up for a distal femoral physeal fracture in a miniature Rex rabbit. A 5-month-old rabbit presented with right hindlimb lameness after attempting to escape and becoming entangled in a cage. On examination, instability affecting the distal right femur was noted, and radiographs revealed a Salter-Harris type I fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed under general anaesthesia using four 0.7 mm cross pins. Satisfactory clinical and radiographic progress was noted 3 weeks postoperatively. At postoperative follow up 6 weeks later, lameness was mild and by 12 weeks the lameness had resolved. Radiographs taken 12 weeks postoperatively revealed that alignment, apposition and implant placement had been maintained and there was no evidence of implant-associated complications. Clinical union had been achieved. Remote follow up with the owners 7 months postoperatively revealed that the rabbit had returned to normal activity levels and experienced no adverse sequelae following the fracture's repair. The satisfactory medium-term outcomes seen after cross-pin placement indicate that this may be an appropriate repair method for distal femoral Salter-Harris type I fractures in rabbits. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first succesful cross-pin stabilisation of a Salter-Harris type I fracture in a rabbit of this age.