Use of a novel intramedullary nail for femoral fracture repair in calves: 25 cases (2008-2009)

Abstract

Objective-To describe the use of a novel intramedullary interlocking nail for femoral fracture repair in newborn calves and outcome associated with this treatment modality. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-25 calves. Procedures-Medical records from calves referred for femoral fracture repair between November 2008 and June 2009 were included. Signalment, clinical findings, and results of lameness examination and complete radiographic examination were recorded. Details of surgical technique, orthopedic fixation, associated complications, and outcome were also noted. Results-25 Charolais calves were included in the study. All fractures were closed and located in the diaphysis; 18 extended to the distal metaphysis, 1 was located proximally, and 6 were midshaft fractures. Fractures were localized to the left femur in 17 calves and to the right femur in 8 calves. An interlocking nail was used as the sole means of internal fixation in 16 calves and was reinforced in 9 calves. Two calves were euthanatized for reasons related to the surgery, and 4 died of unrelated reasons. Long-term prognosis was considered excellent for 15 calves and fair for 4 calves. Age, body weight, overall musculoskeletal strength at initial evaluation, affected limb, configuration and location of the fracture, need for reinforcement of the repair, and quality of the reduction had no significant association with positive outcome of the surgery. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The novel intramedullary interlocking nail used in the present study was associated with a good prognosis for surgical repair of femoral fractures in newborn calves regardless of the location of the fracture.