🔍 Key Findings

• All 36 feline corpus ilium fractures achieved union after fixation with either M-CRIF (n = 18) or conventional locking plates (n = 18).
• M-CRIF produced faster mid-term radiographic healing, with higher day-45 healing scores than locking plates (2.72 ± 0.46 vs 1.89 ± 0.83; p = .002); later healing scores were comparable.
• M-CRIF better preserved pelvic canal dimensions, with significantly less sacral index narrowing than plate fixation (p = .005).
• Screw loosening occurred in 22.2% (4/18) of plate cases but in none of the M-CRIF cases; one plate case required revision with an additional dorsal plate.
• The modified implant increased screw-placement flexibility, permitting four locking screws cranial and two caudal to the fracture while allowing clamps to be positioned at the required location and angle.
• M-CRIF required longer operative application, primarily because the rod had to be contoured intraoperatively, although application time decreased with surgeon experience.
• Neurological deficits decreased from 22.2% preoperatively to 5.5% postoperatively, suggesting generally favorable neurological recovery in the selected population.
• M-CRIF was considered a reliable alternative to conventional plating, offering greater fixation stability, fewer implant-related complications, and improved preservation of pelvic canal width.