Double J-shaped Kirschner wire fixation provides superior biomechanical stability for feline sacroiliac luxation compared with conventional techniques.

Double J-shaped Kirschner wire fixation offers superior rotational stability for feline sacroiliac luxation while reducing iatrogenic nerve injury risk.

This ex vivo biomechanical study compared three fixation techniques for unilateral feline sacroiliac (SI) luxation using 18 three-dimensionally printed pelvic models derived from CT data of a 6.6-kg cat. The three constructs evaluated were: single lag screw with transiliac pinning (SP), double parallel Kirschner wires (DK), and double J-shaped Kirschner wires (DJ), with six models per group. A standardized SI luxation with ipsilateral pubic and ischial osteotomies was created, and axial compressive loading was applied through a toggle-pinned femur to simulate stance phase loading to 15° of pelvic rotation. Primary outcome was rotational stiffness, with secondary outcomes including maximum load at 10° rotation and energy absorption. DJ constructs demonstrated approximately three-fold greater initial rotational stiffness and superior energy absorption compared with both SP and DK groups. Maximum load to 10° rotation was significantly higher for DJ (93.10 N) versus SP (33.32 N) and DK (36.59 N). No statistically significant differences were identified between SP and DK for any parameter. The DJ technique offers a clinically relevant advantage by avoiding the narrow sacral safe corridor required for lag screw placement, potentially reducing the risk of iatrogenic lumbosacral nerve injury and preserving sacral bone integrity. While limited by its ex vivo, non-biological model design, this study provides compelling biomechanical evidence supporting DJ fixation as a robust alternative for feline SI luxation stabilization, warranting further clinical investigation.

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