Femoral diaphyseal fractures fixation technique using an adjustable nylon tie in dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and cat (Felis catus domesticus)

ABSTRACT

Background: Adjustable nylon ties polyamide 6.6 is devices produced from the same material of surgical nylon wire and have been used in different surgical procedures in small animals and in human patient. Reports regarding the use of these devices as secondary fixation technique of femoral diaphyseal fractures in animals are rare in the literature. The aim of the present report case was to describe the use of adjustable nylon tie polyamide 6.6 as secondary fixation technique in a 3-year-old dog and 4-month-old cat, diagnosed with femoral diaphyseal fractures.Cases Case 1. A 3-year-old female dog was presented with reluctance to support the left hind limb, with 5 days’ duration. Pain and edema on the left femoral diaphyseal region was identified. The limb was submitted to radiographic exam and revealed a closed, complete and comminuted fracture of the diaphysis of the femur, and was decided to perform a surgical stabilization by open reduction through primary fixation with intramedullary pin, and secondary fixation of bone fragments with adjustable nylon ties polyamide 6.6, as a substitute of steel cerclage wire. The bone fragments were alignment and fixated with five polyamide nylon ties. The excess was removed with a scalpel blade along the lock. Seven days after surgery the skin sutures were removed and were observed reluctance to support the left hind limb. Physiotherapy sessions were prescribed. Forty days after the surgery was performed a radiographic exam of the left hind limb which revealed alignment of the bone axis. Six months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog supported the left hind limb. Case 2. A 4-month-old female cat was presented with history of trauma, with 24 h’s duration, and reluctance in supporting the left hind limb. On physical examination there was identified pain on the left femoral diaphyseal region.[...]