Application of anatomically contoured intramedullary interlocking nailing for fixation of femoral diaphyseal fractures in dogs

Abstract

The study was conducted on 10 client-owned dogs of either sex presented for fixation of femoral diaphyseal fractures. After thorough clinical, orthopaedic and radiographic examinations, the patients were subjected to application of specially-designed anatomically contoured intramedullary interlocking nailing (ACIILN) for fixation of fractures. All the fractures were closed and involved mid (n=9) to slightly distal (n=1) diaphysis. The diameter of used ACIILN ranged from 5–7 mm and the length from 11–15 cm. All the ACIILN were applied in static fashion with at least 2 screws each in both proximal and distal fracture fragments. The duration of surgery for application of ACIILN ranged from 35–75 min. The technique was found to be moderately difficult with extent of tissue manipulation in the category of low to moderate. Pain and inflammation decreased gradually in all the cases in an anticipated manner.With gradual improvement in weight-bearing capability, the limb function was restored in all cases quiet fast in the postoperative period. More amount of the callus formed over medial and caudal surfaces indicating less amount of stability at these surfaces. Anatomically contoured intramedullary interlocking nailing technique provided clinically viable fracture fixation technique resulting into early limb function.