[Bone segment transport in femoral defects. Animal experiment study]

The aim of our experimental study was to realize the Ilizarov concept using a reamed intramedullary interlocking nail with an internal transport system. In 8 mature dogs a bone defect of 3 cm was performed at the femur. A distally osteotomized bone fragment (length 3.5 cm) was lowered through the bone defect. 4 times we had to exclude the animal from the evaluation. In this case the interlocking nails were broken within 6 weeks. In 3 dogs a regeneration of bone was found in the defect. In 6 dogs a deep infection along the transport system had developed.