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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2019; 32(05): 351-361
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1691828
Original Research
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Safety and Accuracy of Minimally Invasive Long Bone Fracture Repair Using a 2.5-mm Interlocking Nail: A Cadaveric Feline Study

Katrin Nabholz
1   Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Antonio Pozzi
1   Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Philipp A. Schmierer
1   Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Lucas A. Smolders
1   Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Sebastian C. Knell
1   Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Clinic for Small Animal Surgery, Zurich, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations Funding The authors declare a financial support from B. Braun Vet Care GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany (Implants and financial support). B. Braun Vet Care was not involved in any aspect of the study other than the financial support and the implant donation. This study has also been funded by Aesculap.
Further Information

Publication History

24 April 2018

04 April 2019

Publication Date:
06 July 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Objectives The Targon Vet System (TVS) is a 2.5-mm interlocking nail that can be applied minimally invasively. The purpose of this study was to test if the TVS could be safely applied percutaneously to different feline long bones without fluoroscopic guidance.

Methods A gap fracture was created in 96 feline humeri, femora and tibiae (n = 32/group). Paired bones were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: (1) TVS inserted percutaneously with fluoroscopy and (2) TVS inserted percutaneously without fluoroscopy. Intraoperative evaluation (complications, procedure time, attempts), radiographs (pre-/postoperative alignment, length) and anatomical dissection (neurovascular injury, rotational alignment) were compared between treatment groups.

Results The use of fluoroscopy did not lead to significant differences in any of the outcome measures. Intraoperative complications predominantly occurred in the distal humerus (12/32) and the proximal femur (7/32). In total, 20/96 complications occurred with no complications for the tibia. Neurovascular structures were only damaged at the medial side of the distal humerus (10/32).

Clinical Significance We conclude that the TVS can be safely applied percutaneously to the tibia and with limitations to the femur in normal cadaveric cats without fluoroscopy. Despite the limitations of a cadaveric study, the high number of complications is leading us to consider the humerus not safe for the TVS. A learning curve has to be expected and technical recommendations should be respected to decrease complications.

Keywords

interlocking nail - minimally invasive fracture repair - fluoroscopy - safety and accuracy - cat

Author Contribution

Katrin Nabholz contributed to conception of study, acquisition of data, and data analysis and interpretation. Antonio Pozzi contributed to conception of study and study design. Philipp A. Schmierer contributed to study design. Lucas A. Smolders contributed to data analysis and interpretation. Sebastian C. Knell contributed to conception of study, study design, and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.


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