Treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the tibia with use of interlocking nails in dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment of diaphyseal tibial fracture with the use of interlocking nails in dogs. Eight dogs were treated with this method. Each patient was followed up for 60 days. Preoperatively, radiographs were taken and the lenght of the affected bone was measured by the imaging programme of the x-ray. Various length and 6 mm (n=8) diameter interlocking nails and for fixing the interlocking nail to bone, cortical screws (various length and 2.7 mm diameter) were used. Postoperatively radiographs were taken at 10th, 30th and 60th days. Cases were followed up 60 days. Severe lameness was observed in case 1, 4, 5 and 7; moderate lameness was observed in case 2 and 3; and it was observed that case 6 and 8 could not use their revelant limbs at postoperative 10th day. Case 4, 6 and 8 had moderate lameness, case 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 had mild lameness at postoperative 30th day. All of the cases had no lameness at postoperative 60th day and all cases were treated succesfully. During the healing period, no complication was observed. As a result, Interlocking nails can be used to repair diaphyseal fractures of tibia in dogs. The high healing rate (even with unstable fractures), associated with a functional outcome, and low complication rate support the use of interlocking nails for diaphyseal fractures of long bones. Interlocking nails should be considered as alternative technique for management of selected diaphyseal fractures of the femur, tibia, and humerus in dogs