Management of Femoral Fractures using modified interlocking nailing in growing dogs with Osteopenic Bones

The study was conducted in 16 cases of fracture of femur in growing dogs, divided in 4 groups of 4 animals each. In groups I (normal bones) and II (osteopenic bones), femoral fracture fixation was carried out with single Steinmann pin by standard retrograde/normograde technique. In animals of groups III (normal bones) and IV (osteopenic bones) fracture immobilization was made by intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nail. IMIL nailing was made in a routine manner, but a nut was tightened at the opposite end of the screw (at far cortex) to avoid possible loosening of the screw. Both techniques were evaluated based on intraoperative and clinical (weight bearing and lameness) observations made at different postoperative intervals.

IM Steinmann pinning was easier to perform and took less time than IMIL nailing. When compared between normal and osteopenic bones, complications like improper placement of pin and pin migration were more common with osteopenic bones. Fracture healing did not differ markedly between the normal and osteopenic bones, however, osteopenic bone fractures healed with relatively large callus. IMIL nailing though required relatively more time for fixation and difficult to fix the screw, provided more rigid fixation both in normal and osteopenic bones.