Interlocking intramedullary nail stabilization of a femoral fracture in a dog with osteomyelitis.

Complications developed in a dog that underwent intramedullary pin and cerclage wire fixation of a comminuted femoral fracture. The fracture was unstable, the intramedullary pin protruded through the skin over the hip, and Staphylococcus sp was isolated from the fracture site. The loose pin was removed, and the fracture was restabilized with a 6.0-mm interlocking intramedullary nail and 3 interlocking screws. Cephalexin was given orally for 6 weeks. Eight weeks after the second surgery, the fracture was healed radiographically. Seventeen months later, the dog had a persistent mild lameness that was associated with low-grade osteomyelitis. The lameness resolved after the implants were removed, and antibiotics were administered. In human beings, interlocking intramedullary nail stabilization is an accepted treatment for open and contaminated fractures. Chronic infection of bone may be attributable to bacteria in biofilm surrounding implants, necessitating implant removal for resolution.