Studies on elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for the treatment of diaphyseal fracture of femur in skeletally immature dogs using titanium elastic nails

The study was conducted in six clinical cases of skeletally immature dogs irrespective of breed and sex having transverse or short oblique mid-diaphyseal femoral fractures. In all the animals, fracture was stabilized with elastic stable intramedullary nail using standard titanium elastic nails. Immediate postoperative radiographs showed proper reduction and good alignment of the fractured segments. Postoperative radiographs revealed early callus formation by 14^th day and early consolidation of the fracture by 45^th day. Complete weight bearing in all the six dogs was observed between 28^th and 45^th postoperative days. To conclude, the elastic stable intramedullary nailing was found effective for treatment of diaphyseal fractures of femur in skeletally immature dogs as the technique was minimally invasive, and provided optimal stability and elasticity for early healing and functional recovery.