Dynamic intramedullary crosspinning technique for repair of distal femoral fractures in dogs and cats: 71 cases (1981-1985)

Dynamic intramedullary crosspinning was used in the surgical treatment of supracondylar and distal physeal fractures of the femur in 129 dogs and cats over a 5-year period; the records of the 44 dogs and 27 cats with follow-up information up to time of bony union were evaluated. The results were good or excellent in 66 of 71 animals (93%). The mean follow-up period was 22 months. Distal pin migration was the major complication (10 animals; 14%). The pin migrated before bony union in 2 animals because of instability and collapse at the fracture site. The pin migrated in 8 animals after bony union and was associated with intermittent lameness. In 5 of these, pin removal was performed and the lameness resolved.