Pelvic symphyseal distraction osteotomy for constipation management secondary to pelvic stenosis

A 7-year-old neutered male Korean domestic short-haired cat was referred to our clinic to treat constipation which had persisted for 6 months. The rectal examination revealed narrowing of the right lateral portion of the pelvic canal. A reduced pelvic canal diameter by pelvic fracture malunion was revealed on radiography. The pelvic canal diameter ratio measured from preoperative was 0.68. Based on rectal and radiographic examinations, constipation caused by pelvic canal narrowing was confirmed. Pelvic symphyseal distraction-osteotomy and iliac wedge osteotomy were performed. An iliac osteotomy of the ilium was performed to ease the pelvic symphyseal distraction. After the symphysis was split longitudinally, pelvic symphyseal distraction was maintained by using a spacer made of poly-methyl- methacrylate. The osteotomy of the ilium was fixed using a bone plate and screws. Increased pelvic canal diameter was confirmed on post-operative radiography and the postoperative pelvic canal diameter ratio was 0.91. The patient received antibiotics, NSAIDs, crystalloids and Lactulose for post-operative care. The cat recovered normal defecation abilities and did not have constipation at one week postoperatively. No episodes of constipation persisting longer than 6 months have been reported by owners in previous studies. Pelvic symphyseal distraction osteotomy and iliac wedge osteotomy may prove to be a useful surgical procedure to treat pelvic canal stenosis that is caused by pelvic fracture malunion.