Vol. 11, Special Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Madhav Ajjodi, Nagaraja BN, Suresh L, Ansar Kamran C and Girish MH

Abstract:
Bovine long bone fracture treatment is always challenging for a veterinary orthopaedician. Post-operative care and control of sepsis are important in successful outcome of these surgeries. A trending demand for minimally invasive procedures in treatment of fracture is increasing in recent times. Hence the present study was undertaken to investigate the supercutaneous plating technique for the repair of compound metatarsal bone fractures in bovines. Six bovine clinical cases with compound metatarsal fractures were selected and were stabilized by supercutaneous plating technique using special 4.5 mm/ 5.0 mm locking compression plates and locking head screws. Occurrence of metatarsal fracture was more in less than a year aged calves and relatively more males were affected than females. Variation in the physiological and hematological parameters were statistically non-significant. The biochemical parameters like serum calcium, phosphorus showed statistically non- significant variations. Whereas, serum alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated up to 30th postoperative day and returned to normalcy by the end of the study period. Radiographic evaluation revealed satisfactory bone healing with sufficient callus formation at the fractured site on 45th to 60th post-operative days. All the animals started partially bearing weight immediately after surgery and gradually, complete weight bearing starting from 15th post-operative day till 60th postoperative day. By controlled-dynamization and staged disassembly of screws, implant was removed on 60th post-operative day based on radiographic clinical union and callus formation at the fractured site to allow gradual load-sharing on operated limb. Based on the observations of the study, it could be concluded that the supercutaneous plating technique for the repair of metatarsal fractures in bovines showed effective immobilization of the fracture fragments, quick to apply, minimally invasive, adaptable and feasible to be used in the field conditions.