Retrospective study of the early clinical experience with a precontoured angle-stable interlocking nail for fracture repair in dogs and cats

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE To report indications, outcomes, and complications with a precontoured angle-stable interlocking nail (CAS-ILN). ANIMALS 90 client-owned animals. METHODS Dogs and cats treated with the CAS-ILN between 2020 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Collected data included body weight, fracture configuration, percentage of medullary canal filled, limb alignment, complications, and follow-up. Favorable outcomes were defined when full functional restoration was observed. RESULTS Thirty-eight dogs and 52 cats were included. Median body weight was 4.3 kg (range, 1.5 to 6.7 kg) for cats and 25 kg (range, 6.8 to 54 kg) for dogs. A total of 54 femurs, 31 tibias, and 5 humeri were treated, including 65 comminuted fractures and 26 metaphyseal fractures. The median percentage of medullary canal occupied by the nail was 76.5% (range, 53% to 97.6%). Radiographic postoperative bone alignment was good in 85.5% (59/69) and satisfactory in 10 cases. The median duration of follow-up (57/90) was 476 days (range, 56 to 1,057 days). In the perioperative period (0 to 12 weeks), lameness had resolved or was mild in all (51/52) but 1 case. In the long-term postoperative period (> 12 months), 97.1% (34/35) of cases showed restoration of full function and 1 case had an unacceptable function. An overall complication rate of 11.5% (7/61) was reported including 1 catastrophic and 6 major complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Long-term functional outcomes following the CAS-ILN were favorable in 97.1% (34/35) of cases. Complication rates were comparable to previous studies. The CAS-ILN appears to be an alternative surgical option for most long-bone fracture repairs.