Vol. 9, Issue 2, Part D (2024)

Author(s): Shaikh Toufik, RV Suryawanshi, HP Aithal, AH Ulemale, SA Chauhan and DM Muglikar

Abstract: The present clinical study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of various external skeletal fixator devices for long bone fracture management in cattle and its clinico-therapeutic outcome. A total 12 clinical cases of cattle with non-weight bearing limb, recumbency, abnormal angulations of fractured limb, pain with moderate to severe haemorrhage were presented to teaching hospital. Radiographic examination of all limbs showed comminuted, transverse and oblique fracture of long bones in present study with non-significant changes were recorded in haemato-biochemical values. However, values of SGOT and serum cortisol were fluctuating throughout the study. Epoxy ESF device showed, acceptable anatomical alignment and fracture reduction with adequate strength in animals weighing upto 120 kg body weight. Bilateral linear fixators, 6 mm pins (3 in each fragments) was found to be adequate and strong to hold the side bars after reduction of fractured fragment in metacarpal fractures which seems to be stronger, rigid and least cumbersome technique in heavy animals. Compound oblique fracture of tibia and metatarsal was stabilized with circular external fixators in three animals with early weight bearing. It was concluded that, epoxy pin ESF is more reliable, economical and lighter device which provide rigid fracture fixation in animals weighing upto120 kg body weight as compared to other two fixator devices having several postoperative complications due to movement and heavy weight of animals.