Repair of femoral capital physeal fractures in 12 cattle.
OBJECTIVE
To document signalment, clinical signs, and long-term outcome of surgical treatment for femoral capital physeal fractures in cattle.


METHODS
Retrospective study. Animals-Twelve cattle with femoral capital physeal fractures.


METHODS
Cases were identified by a search of radiographic records. Historical, diagnostic, surgical, and outcome data were collected from the medical records. Owners were contacted for follow-up information by telephone.


RESULTS
Fractures were repaired by screws inserted in lag fashion in 4 animals and by use of multiple intramedullary pins in 8 animals. Six of 12 animals required repeat surgery to reposition screws or pins. Nine animals were considered successfully treated at discharge. Six months after surgery, 6 of 11 animals for which follow-up was obtained were still sound. At 12 months, 4 of 4 animals alive were still sound. Animals that bore weight earliest postoperatively were more likely to have a successful outcome. Animals <12 months of age had better outcomes than animals >12 months of age.


CONCLUSIONS
Prognosis for serviceable soundness is good in cattle <12 months of age and fair in animals >12 months of age after surgical repair of femoral capital physeal fracture by stacking intramedullary pins or by screws inserted in lag fashion.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical repair of femoral capital physeal fracture is most successful in younger cattle and can result in productive animals.
Ewoldt
Jennifer M Ivany
JM
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Hull
Bruce L
BL
Ayars
William H
WH
D000818:Animals; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000662:veterinary; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D002417:Cattle / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012086:Reoperation / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome