A bone surrogate was developed and subsequently used to evaluate the mechanical behavior of two novel feline interlocking nails against plate controls in vitro, in an attempt to evaluate their safety and efficacy. Following testing in both torsion and 4-point bending, the I-Loc nail was evaluated in 30 clinical feline trauma cases.Fracture gap constructs were implanted with an I-Loc (3 or 4 mm), Targon (2.5 or 3.0 mm) or LCP (2.0 or 2.4 mm) and mechanically compared. Additionally, explanted surrogates with implant specific pilot holes were failed to assess the effect of implant removal on bone surrogate strength. Finally, a prospective clinical case series of 30 feline fractures were evaluated for time to clinical union, return to function and complications following repair using the I-Loc nail. The I-Loc 3 and 4 mm nails overall were mechanically stronger than either the Targon nails or locking plates, including explanted specimens. All cats in the clinical study were weight bearing within 2 days of surgery and reached clinical union in a mean time of 7.2 weeks. All returned to full limb function. No major complications were encountered. These studies suggest that the I-Loc may represent a safe and effective alternative to other available feline osteosynthesis options
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