Management of Segmental Fractures of Tibia and Femur by Static Intramedullary Interlocking Nailing in Twelve Dogs

The objective of the study was to evaluate the suitability of static intramedullary interlocking nailing for stabilization of segmental tibial and femoral fractures in dogs. In the study period between 2002 to 2012, a total of 216 cases of long bone fractures were stabilized with static intramedullary interlocking nailing of which 12 fractures with 8 tibial and 4 femoral were segmental type with two level fracture lines having intact/split intercalary segment. In 8 fractures the intercalary segment was intact tubular, in one there was incomplete longitudinal split in the intercalary segment and in 3 cases the intercalary segment was having complete longitudinal split. Along with static intramedullary interlocking nailing, in eight cases adjunctive stabilization with full cerclage wiring was done. A rapid return of function was noted in all the cases by 10th post operative day with complete fracture union in 11 cases with variable healing times for proximal and distal fracture lines. Out of three open fractures, one resulted in non union.