Successful management of quadriceps contracture in a cat using a dynamic flexion apparatus

A comminuted, grade I open femoral fracture in an immature cat was repaired using stacked veterinary cuttable plates in a bridging fashion. The cat su bsequently developed quadriceps contracture with stifle hyperextension and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle. Adhesions between the quadriceps muscle a nd fracture callus were released and a dynamic flexion apparatus used to pr event recurrence of quadriceps contracture by encouraging leg use and lengt hening of the quadriceps muscles. The range of motion in the stifle improve d from 35 degrees to 130 degrees and the cat maintained excellent use of th e leg without recurrence of quadriceps contracture.