Repair of femoral capital physeal fractures with 7.0-mm cannulated screws in cattle: 20 cases (1988–2002)

Abstract

To evaluate long-term outcome of repair of femoral capital physeal fractures with 70 mm cannulated screws in juvenile bulls that weighed >350 kg (770 lb). Retrospective study. 20 bulls. Medical records of affected cattle were identified and reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by means of a written questionnaire, 1 to 15 years after discharge, from the veterinarians who supervised the postoperative care at bull stud facilities. Mean age and body weight at time of repair were 19 months (range, 11 to 27 months) and 513 kg (1128.6 lb; range, 364 to 720 kg [800.8 to 1584 lb]), respectively. Surgical repair was performed with 70 mm cannulated screws. A second surgery to replace malpositioned implants was required in 1 bull. Fourteen of the 20 bulls were considered serviceable for semen collection after surgical repair, and persistent lameness was evident in 11 of the 14. Mean duration for bulls to become serviceable was 5.5 months (range, 2 to 11 months). Age, weight, duration of injury at the time of repair, and degree of reduction did not have a significant effect on whether surgical repair was successful. Six bulls remained severely lame and were euthanatized. Results indicated that surgical repair of femoral capital physeal fractures in adolescent bulls with 70 mm cannulated screws placed in lag fashion has a good prognosis for long-term function in a semen collection facility.