Introduction: A novel angle-stable nail (I-Loc) was recently designed, in part to address acute
perioperative instability documented with standard veterinary nails. While experimental
studies demonstrated biomechanical efficacy, clinical evaluation of the I-Loc is lacking.
Our objective was to describe the use of the 6, 7 and 8-mm I-Loc nails and provide
clinically relevant recommendations.
Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients with traumatic femoral, tibial and humeral fractures
treated with an I-Loc were reviewed. Data collected included affected bone, fracture
pattern, body weight in relation to nail size; surgical technique, number of missed
bolts and complications.
Results: One hundred fractures affected the femur (64%), tibia (28%) and humerus (8%); most
were diaphyseal (81%) and complex (59%). The 6, 7 and 8-mm nails were used in 18,
36 and 56 patients weighing an average of 24.6, 29.7, 37.9 kg, respectively. Missed
bolts (6%) were successfully reoriented intraoperatively in all but two cases (final
missed rate 1.3%). All complications (10%) occurred in tibial fractures and required
revision surgery in 3 cases. Complete or on going follow up, available in 80 cases
showed appropriate bone healing and function in all cases. Twenty cases were lost
to follow-up.
Discussion/Conclusion: This study suggests that diaphyseal, metaphyseal and juxta-articular fractures can
be successfully treated using an I-Loc. Additionally, the rate of missed cannulations
and complications were substantially lower than that reported for standard nails.
Our results also suggest that 6, 7 and 8-mm nails can be safely recommended for dogs
with mean body weights of 25, 30 and 38 kg, respectively.
Acknowledgement: The senior author of this clinical research is the inventor of the nail described
in this study and as such receives a teaching honorarium from BioMedtrix as well as
royalties from Michigan State University.