Clinical Efficacy on the Use of Titanium Intramedullary Interlocking Nailing (Ti- IILN) for Repair of Communited Diaphyseal Femur Fractures in Dogs

The study was conducted in dogs with comminuted diaphyseal fractures of femur. The dogs were stabilized with titanium IILN of diameter 5 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm were used. The length of nails used 140 mm, 160 mm and 180 mm. Good implant stability and remarkable improvement with normal limb function except bolt loosening and bolt breakage two dogs. All dogs showed weight bearing of the affected limb while walking from 3^rd day in 3 dogs, 10^th day in 2 dogs, 15^th day in 2 dogs, 30^th day in one dog post-operatively. The mean lameness grades pre-operatively and on 1^st day, 15^th day, 30^th day, 60^th day and 90^th day post- operatively were found to be 5.00±0.00, 3.25±0.16, 2.50±0.26, 1.50±0.26,1.12±0.12 and 1.00±0.00, respectively. The mean age of the group to bear the complete weight were seen on 11.75±3.26 days. The radiographs on the 15^th post-operative day revealed proper apposition and alignment, on 30^th day showed evidence of callus formation, on 60^th day, 6 dogs the fracture line disappeared showing clear restitution of cortico-medullary cavity and in two dogs, bridging callus formation. On 90^th, day cortico-medullary distinction at the fracture site. Based on the results, it is concluded Titanium IILN was successful in the treatment of comminuted diaphyseal femur fractures in dogs with lower rate of failure and fewer complications and offered early return of limb function, with good fracture stability till the completion of the bone healing in all dogs when compared to stainless steel IILN.

• Titanium IILN is most suitable for comminuted diaphyseal fractures of femur in canines.

• Titanium IILN offered early return of limb function, with good fracture stability, and lower rate of failure.