Use of Veterinary Interlocking Nails for Diaphyseal Fractures in Dogs and Cats: 121 Cases

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical outcome after use of an interlocking nail (veterinary interlocking nail VIN) for stabilization of diaphyseal fractures in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Seventy-eight dogs and 43 cats with diaphyseal fractures of the femur (n = 96), tibia (n = 14), or humerus (n = 11). METHODS: Interlocking nails (4 mm diameter n = 72, 6 mm n = 25 or 8 mm n = 24), were used in static (n = 106) or dynamic (n = 15) fixation mode. Cerclage wires also were used in 63 (52%) cases. Data about the patient (species, breed, weight, age), characteristics of the fracture, and details of the surgery and perioperative complications were recorded. The surgeon evaluated functional outcome, and fracture healing was quantified 6 weeks (W6) and 3 months (M3) after surgery with a radiographic index. RESULTS: Twelve cases had been unsuccessfully treated by another technique. Of 106 comminuted fractures, 60 were classified as unstable. Only 112 animals were evaluated at W6; 86 (77%) healed without complication and had a functional outcome considered excellent (n = 80, 93%), good (n = 5, 4%), or fair (n = 1). Twenty-six complications were noted: 16 (14%) patients did not require additional surgery and had a good or excellent outcome, whereas 10 (8%) patients needed surgical intervention to CONCLUSIONS: VINs can be used to repair diaphyseal fractures of the femur, tibia, and humerus in dogs and cats provided the implants are appropriately sized for the fractured bone. The high healing rate (even with unstable fractures), associated with a functional outcome, and low complication rate support the use of VINs for these fracture types. However, a period of training and the application of basic principles are necessary to ensure successful results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VINs should be considered as alternative technique for management of selected diaphyseal fractures of the femur, tibia, and humerus in dogs and cats.