Abstract
Objective Our objectives were to report complications associated with stabilization of long-bone
fractures in cats using a 3.5-mm titanium interlocking nail and to examine the influences
of signalment, fracture type and fixation evaluations on the occurrence of complications.
Study Design Retrospective clinical study.
Material and Methods Medical and radiographic records of cats with long-bone fractures treated with an
interlocking nail were reviewed. Data included age, sex, weight, cause of the fracture,
fractured bone(s) and fracture type. Complications were classified as minor and major
complications. Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression analysis were used to
test whether certain variables of signalment and interlocking nail configuration had
an effect on the occurrence of complications.
Results Sixty-seven fractures of 67 cats were examined in this study. Forty-eight femora,
sixteen tibiae and three humeri were included. Complications occurred in 11/67 fractures.
Major complications occurred in 8/67 fractures and included screw breakage (n = 3), nail breakage (n = 2), nail bending (n = 1), screw loosening (n = 1), non-union (n = 1). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between
fracture types and the occurrence of major complications (p = 0.02).
Conclusion In conclusion, use of this commercially available standard 3.5-mm titanium interlocking
nail for stabilization of comminuted and oblique humeral, femoral and tibial fractures
in cats is feasible.
Keywords
interlocking nail - feline - long-bone fractures - titanium - implant failure
