title: Evaluation of two dynamic axial fixators for large ruminants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate healing of a radial osteotomy repaired by application of dynamic axial fixation devices (DAF) in large ruminants.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vivo study of bone healing after application of 2 DAF types. Model I had 2 sidebars, each with a central cylindrical cuff (internally threaded) with 2 detachable connecting rods telescoping within the cuff. Model II had 2 side bars with 2 moveable clamps with multiple holes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bull calves (n=8; aged, 1.5-2.0 years; weighing, 175-250 kg).
  
  
  METHODS
  A mid-diaphyseal radial osteotomy was repaired by use of a model I (n=4) or model II (n=4) DAF. Calves were monitored for weight bearing, stability of fixation, and radiographically for fracture reduction, alignment and healing at intervals for 6 months. Fixators were removed when there was radiographic evidence of healing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both the fixators were well tolerated with free movement of adjacent joints. Fragment fixation was maintained until healing in all but 1 model I calf where failure occurred within 7 days. Model II DAF provided more rigid fixation as indicated by early full weight bearing and fracture healing with less callus formation. Functional recovery of repaired limbs occurred within 60 days in surviving calves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both bilateral DAFs were easy to apply; however, the model II DAF provided better fixation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The model II DAF made of low carbon steel was economical and may be useful for treating long bone fractures in large ruminants.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgery, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Gaj Raj
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Hari Prasad
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Aithal
authors.lastname: Amarpal
authors.forename: Prakash
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kinjavdekar
authors.forename: Swapan Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Maiti
authors.forename: Mozammel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hoque
authors.forename: Abhijit Motiram
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pawde
authors.forename: Hem Chandra
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002417:Cattle / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000662:veterinary; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011897:Random Allocation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing