title: Locking compression plate osteosynthesis of sacral fractures in three heifers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a technique used for reduction and internal fixation of sacral fractures in cattle.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three heifers aged 19-32 months with deformation of the tail head and tail paralysis attributable to a closed fracture of S5 or S4 and S5.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fractures were reduced and repaired under general anesthesia. A narrow, 6-10-hole, locking compression plate (LCP) was placed on the spinous processes of S5 and the first coccygeal (Co1) using 5.0 mm locking head screws. Follow-up inquiries were made by telephone (3/3), and cows were examined clinically and radiographically 2 (1 cow) to 9 (1 cow) months postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No complications were encountered. The range of movement of the tail improved so that soiling of the tail during defecation was no longer a problem. In all heifers, the normal top line was restored and there was no narrowing of the pelvic canal. Unassisted calving occurred in all heifers, and follow-up radiographs for 2 cows showed complete fracture healing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LCP-osteosynthesis of the spinous processes provided sufficient stability for internal fixation of sacral fractures. Marked improvement in tail function occurred postoperatively without decompression by laminectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Tanja C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Martin R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kummer
authors.forename: Regine U
authors.initials: RU
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.forename: Jörg A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Auer
authors.forename: Karl A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Nuss
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D012447:Sacrum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*