Post-Operative Infection After Open Radius/Ulna Fracture Repair Resolved with Simini Lavage in a Cat
Veterinary Clinic Stara Zagora · Left Forelimb · Implant Lavage at Revision
Case Summary
A 7-year-old male domestic cat presented with an open fracture of the radius and ulna of the left forelimb. Primary ORIF was performed and the patient recovered well. Five days post-operatively, limb swelling and minor discharge developed. Enrofloxacin was added.
By day 10, swelling had resolved but purulent discharge persisted and the patient was not using the limb. Revision surgery was performed with plate exposure and Simini Protect Lavage applied directly to the plate and wound. Three days after the lavage, there was no swelling, no discharge, and the patient was using the leg well. At 14 days, the wound was completely healed with continued normal limb use.
Clinical Presentation
Open Fracture and Post-Operative Infection
The patient presented with an open fracture of the radius and ulna of the left forelimb. Primary open reduction and internal fixation was performed and the initial recovery was uneventful. Five days post-operatively, swelling of the limb and a small amount of discharge were identified. Enrofloxacin was commenced at that point.
By day 10 post-surgery, the swelling had resolved with antibiotic treatment. However, purulent discharge was now present and the patient was not using the limb, indicating persistent infection at the implant site despite antibiotic therapy. Revision surgery was indicated to directly address the plate-level infection.
Fig. 1 — Left forelimb at recheck prior to revision surgery. Sutured incision line with purulent discharge visible at the mid-incision site. Patient non-weight-bearing at this stage.
Revision Surgery
Plate Exposure and Simini Lavage
The patient was returned to surgery. The incision was opened and the plate was exposed. Simini Protect Lavage was applied directly to the plate and surrounding wound. Enrofloxacin was continued for a further 3 days post-lavage.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Patient returned to surgery due to persistent purulent discharge and non-weight-bearing at day 10 post-ORIF |
| 02 | Incision opened and plate exposed |
| 03 | SiminiSimini Protect Lavage applied directly to the plate and surrounding wound |
| 04 | Wound closed. Enrofloxacin continued for 3 further days post-lavage |
Fig. 2 — Post-operative radiographs, VD and lateral views. LCP plate fixation of the left radius/ulna. Implant position satisfactory.
In this case, Simini Protect Lavage was applied directly to an exposed implant at a site of confirmed post-operative infection that had not resolved with systemic antibiotic therapy alone. Simini reduces bacteria, biofilms, and resistant bacteria at the wound site. The rapid resolution of signs — no swelling or discharge within 3 days and complete wound healing by 14 days — followed the lavage procedure combined with continued antibiotic cover.
Outcomes
Rapid Resolution and Full Recovery
The response to Simini lavage was rapid and complete. Within 3 days of the lavage procedure, all clinical signs of infection had resolved and the patient was using the limb normally. By 14 days, the wound was completely healed.
Full Resolution
No swelling. No discharge. Patient using the leg well. Enrofloxacin course completed.
Wound Fully Healed
Wound completely healed. Normal limb use continued. No recurrence of swelling or discharge reported.
Fig. 3 — Left forelimb at 14-day follow-up after Simini lavage. Incision healing well with sutures in situ. Significant improvement compared to pre-lavage presentation. Patient weight-bearing normally.
This case represents single-surgeon clinical experience. Simini lavage was used in combination with continued systemic enrofloxacin. The relative contribution of each cannot be separated.
Clinical Timeline
Post-Operative Course
Primary ORIF
Open fracture of left radius and ulna repaired with plate fixation. Initial recovery described as good.
Limb Swelling and Discharge
Swelling of the left forelimb and small amount of discharge noted. Enrofloxacin added to treatment protocol.
Purulent Discharge, Non-Weight-Bearing
Swelling resolved with antibiotics but purulent discharge now present. Patient not using the limb. Revision surgery scheduled.
Plate Exposure and Simini Lavage
Incision opened, plate exposed. Simini Protect Lavage applied directly to plate and wound. Wound closed. Enrofloxacin continued for 3 further days.
No Swelling, No Discharge, Limb in Use
Three days after lavage, all clinical signs of infection had resolved. Patient using the operated leg well.
Wound Completely Healed
Fourteen days after Simini lavage, the wound was fully healed. Patient continuing to use limb normally.