Fourteen female dogs, without a definite breed, were divided into two similar experimental groups, denominated Group I and Group II which were submitted to a comparativo study between a nylon thread and steel thread, respectively, on the immobilization of experimentally patellar fractures in dogs. Dogs of each group were submitted a only surgical procedure. All animals were evaluated during a period of 45 days when the feasibility of the nylon thread on the immobilization of the patellar fractures was observed to be successful in comparison to the steel thread, that even though it is highly recommended on the situations in which the material might be up to a distention and alternated relaxing, for under such conditions, the thread will quickly suffer fatigue, consequently breaking up.
patella; fracture; imobilization
