Osteomyelitis and neoplasia associated with use of the Jonas intramedullary splint in small animals
Sinibaldi, K.R.; Pugh, J.; Rosen, H.; Liu, S.K.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 181(9): 885-890
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 6958670 Document Number: 186392
In 11 cases (10 dogs, 1 cat) in which limb fractures had been repaired with the Jonas intramedullary splint, osteomyelitis developed in 6 and tumours developed in 5. In each case, the tumour originated in close proximity to the splint, at the midshaft of the femur or radius. All implants had been in place for 6 months to 6 years in the case of tumours, and for 4 months to 6 years in the cases involving osteomyelitis. Corrosion was evident in all retrieved implants. The corrosion was attributed to fabrication of the devices with a corrosion-susceptible stainless steel, AISI type 304. The corrosion was believed to have been accelerated by stress effect due to differences in cold work of the sleeve and pin, and the difference in composition between the sleeve and spring of the splint. It was concluded that the Jonas intramedullary splint should not be used in small animals.