Evaluation of cross pinning for stabilization of distal third femoral fractures in dogs

Abstract

The present study included six dogs with different age, breed, body weight and etiological factors with distal third extraarticular femoral fractures, which were stabilized using K wires by cross pinning method. Postoperatively, the limbs were externally supported by Robert Jones bandage. Complete weight bearing on the operated limb while standing and walking was seen by 10th postoperative day in majority of the dogs. The 60th postoperative day radiographs revealed complete fracture healing with no evidence of fracture line along with cortical and medullary continuity and signs of remodeling. Cross pinning provided effective stabilization in distal metaphyseal and other extra-articular distal femur fractures with more than one point of fixation, leading to early fracture healing.