Clinical and radiographic evaluations of healing femoral fractures managed with conventional and novel allo-cadaveric bone plates in dogs

Abstract

Femoral diaphyseal fractures are usually amenable to reduction with the use of orthodox fixation implants, which in most cases are expensive and cause intense stress to the patient, hence the need for safer, new biomaterials. This study assessed the use of allo-cadaveric bone plates (CBP-A) and conventional bone plates in managing femoral fractures in dogs. A total of four 8-12 kg Nigerian indigenous dogs were randomly divided into two groups, with each consisting of a male and female dog. Sterilized osteotome wire was employed to surgically create transverse mid-shaft femoral fractures in all the dogs. The fractures in Group I dogs were managed using Vitallium-alloy bone plates and served as control, while Group II fractures were reduced and fixed using CBP-A. Clinical and radiographic assessments for three months were carried out to compare the fracture healing between the groups. Results showed an early stabilization of vital parameters with a premature attempt to use the operated limb on days 4 and 5 post-reduction in groups I and II, respectively. The radiographs revealed good fracture reduction and fixation in all the dogs with the gradual disappearance of the fracture line, as well as progressive bone remodelling as the fracture healing advanced through the sixth week. At 12 weeks, there was distinct medullary and cortical continuity in all the dogs. Therefore, the novel CBP-A used in this study has effectively provided the needed fixation stability with minimal external immobilization for the repair of dog femoral fractures; hence, it should be recommended for use.