The treatment of distal metacarpus fracture with locking compression plate in calves*

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of locking compression plates for the treatment of distal metacarpal fractures in calves. The metacarpus was stabilized using a stainless steel locking compression plate with fully threaded locking head screws. The calves started weight-bearing partially after the first postoperative day and resumed complete weight-bearing after day 10. Callus formation was obtained at the end of the 3rd week and completed at the end of the 8th week, and complete healing was seen at the 12th week in radiographs. The limbs were in good alignment, the calves were fully weight-bearing, and client satisfaction was very high. The metacarpal length, diameter of cortex, and diameter of medulla were measured in fractured and nonfractured metacarpi at the 1st, 45th, 120th, and 365th postoperative days. In conclusion, as the characteristics of juvenile bones do not provide sufficient physical strength for implants, we decided that locking compression plates are associated with good prognosis for surgical repair of distal metacarpal fractures in newborn calves.

Comparative occurrence pattern of fractures in cattle and buffaloes

“…Such cases may suffer from fractures due to road accidents. However, cited literature report male cattle population to have more metacarpal fractures due to traction during dystocia [9,10,13].…”

Bir Buzağıda Salter-Harris Tip I Metacarpus Kırığının Açılı Kama Plağı İle Sağaltımı

“…Ekstremite kırıkları içerisinde metacarpus ve metatarsus kırıkları sığırlarda en sık karşılaşılan kırıklardır 2,3,6,8 ve tüm kırıkların yaklaşık %50'sini oluşturur 5 . Metacarpus kırıkları, metatarsus kırıklarından daha fazla görülmektedir 6 ve nedeni olarak genellikle her çeşit travmalar, hayvanların birbirlerini tekmelemesi ve güç doğuma yanlış müdahale bildirilir 3,5,6 .…”

Use of a dynamic axial external fixator combined with internal cross pins for metacarpal fracture treatment in calves

“…Fractures may occur in the long bones of calves due to traumatic reasons such as incorrect interventions during labor, mother's stepping on the calf, falling or kicking (Gülaydın and Sarıerler, 2018). Metacarpal fractures rank first in long bone fractures in calves, and the most common cause is excessive pulling at birth (Belge et al, 2016). Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures approximately comprise 50% of the fractures in calves (Tulleners, 1986;Auer et al, 1993;Bilgili et al, 2008).…”

“…Metacarpal fractures are twice the incidence rate of metatarsal fractures, and higher than the total incidence rate of radial and tibial fractures (Ferguson, 1982;Steiner et al, 1993;Bilgili et al, 2008). Metacarpal fractures are most commonly observed in the distal epiphysis and metaphyseal part of the bone in calves, and the Salter -Harris Type I fracture is the most common Introduction fracture type (Belge et al, 2016). The type and localization of the fracture, the state of fracture (open or closed fracture), economic value of the animal, cost of treatment and care conditions during the recovery period are considered when determining the treatment option (Aksoy et al, 2009).…”

“…There are conservative and surgical treatment options for long bone fractures in cattles (Belge et al, 2016). Rest and bandage applications are carried out in a restricted area in the conservative treatment (Yanmaz et al, 2014).…”