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Repair of diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats using interlocking intramedullary nails: 12 cases (1996-2000).

OBJECTIVE
To determine the outcome of femoral fractures repaired with 4.0- and 4.7-mm interlocking intramedullary nails in cats.


DESIGN
Retrospective study.


ANIMALS
12 cats with diaphyseal femoral fractures.


PROCEDURE
Records of all cats in which the 4.0- and 4.7-mm interlocking nail system was used for repair of diaphyseal femoral fractures at the Animal Medical Center and Florida Veterinary Specialists between 1996 and 2000 were reviewed. Information included signalment, type of fracture, size of the implant, details of the surgery, intra- and postoperative complications, fracture healing, and clinical outcome.


RESULTS
Femoral fractures in 12 cats were repaired. Eleven of the fractures were comminuted, with 2 of these being open. Clinical outcome was excellent in 7 cats, good in 3, and fair in 1. One resulted in a nonunion. Complications included screw breakage (1 cat) and fracture distal to the nail (1). Fracture distal to the nail occurred from a second trauma.


CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Use of the interlocking nail has been limited in cats because of the small diameter of the medullary canal. Use of the 4.0-mm nail will allow for greater application of this implant in small patients. Results of this study indicate that the 4.0- and 4.7-mm interlocking nails can be used to repair simple or comminuted diaphyseal femoral fractures in cats.