Experimental use of polyamide bands in combination with intramedullary pinning for repair of oblique femoral fractures in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of polyamide bands, manufactured for securing electrical cables, for repair of oblique femoral fractures in rabbits.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Twelve nulliparous, 21-25-week-old, California female rabbits.


METHODS
Rabbits were divided into 3 groups (n=4) and studied for 14, 28, or 56 days. A Z-shaped mid-diaphyseal femoral osteotomy was repaired with a 2.5 mm intramedullary pin and a polyamide 6.6 cerclage band. Healing was evaluated at intervals by physical examination, limb use, femoral radiographs, and callus histology.


RESULTS
Rabbits had early limb use with good wound healing. From the 1st day, movement of the hip and stifle joints was satisfactory. Radiographically, fractures were healed at 28 days. Histologically, there was no foreign body reaction and bone healing was normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Nylon cerclage band application was accomplished easily, maintained reduction, and resulted in good healing and limb use.


CONCLUSIONS
Sterilized nylon bands, manufactured for electrical use, can be used for cerclage in rabbits.
Carrillo
Jose M
JM
Clinic Veterinary Hospital, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Health and Experimental Sciences, Cardenal Herrera-CEU University, Valencia, Spain. jcarrill@uch.ceu.es
Sopena
Joaquin J
JJ
Rubio
Monica
M
Redondo
Jose I
JI
Serra
Ivan
I
Soler
Carme
C
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D009757:Nylons; D011817:Rabbits / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D011897:Random Allocation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009757:Nylons