Management of tibial fractures using a circular external fixator in two calves.
OBJECTIVE
To report the repair of tibial diaphyseal fractures in 2 calves using a circular external skeletal fixator (CEF).


METHODS
Clinical report.


METHODS
Crossbred calves (n=2; age: 6 months; weight: 55 and 60 kg).


METHODS
Mid-diaphyseal tibial fractures were repaired by the use of a 4-ring CEF (made of aluminum rings with 2 mm K-wires) alone in 1 calf and in combination with hemicerclage wiring in 1 calf.


RESULTS
Both calves had good weight bearing with moderate lameness postoperatively. Fracture healing occurred by day 60 in 1 calf and by day 30 in calf 2. The CEF was well maintained and tolerated by both calves through fracture healing. Joint mobility and limb usage improved gradually after CEF removal.


CONCLUSIONS
CEF provided a stable fixation of tibial fractures and healing within 60 days and functional recovery within 90 days.


CONCLUSIONS
CEF can be safely and successfully used for the management of selected tibial fractures in calves.
Aithal
Hari Prasad
HP
Division of Surgery, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India. aithal@ivri.up.nic.in
Kinjavdekar
Prakash
P
Amarpal
Pawde
Abhijit Motiram
AM
Singh
Gaj Raj
GR
Setia
Harish Chandra
HC
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing