Outcomes of 243 dogs with traumatic fractures treated with the I-Loc interlocking nail

To describe clinical application and outcomes following stabilization of traumatic long-bone fractures in dogs using an I-Loc angle stable interlocking nail (AS-ILN).

Retrospective study.

A total of 243 client-owned dogs.

The medical records of dogs with long-bone fractures stabilized with an I-Loc AS-ILN were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, affected bone, fracture pattern and whether fractures were open/closed. Surgical details included nail parameters, customization, use of ancillary implants and number of missed bolts. Complications were classified as major or minor depending upon requirement for revision surgery. Time to clinical union was documented.

A total of 243 fractures affected the femur (138/243), tibia (71/243), humerus (27/243) or radius/ulna (7/243). Most were diaphyseal (183/243) and comminuted (151/243). The 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 and 3 mm nails were used in dogs weighing an average of 41, 30, 26, 21, 13 and 5 kg, respectively. Ancillary implant use was uncommon (50/243). Nails were shortened in 40/243 cases and prebent in 55/243. The postoperative missed bolt rate was 8/852. Radiographic follow-up was achieved in 189 cases, with a median duration of 57.5 days. Mean time to clinical union was 8.3 weeks. Major and minor postoperative complications were encountered in 13/243 and 22/243 of cases, respectively.

Use of the I-Loc system was associated with positive results across a wide range of presentations including epi-/metaphyseal fractures.

The low complication rates associated with the I-Loc system indicate potential benefits to patients compared to plate-rod systems, non-angle-stable nails or other AS-ILNs.