Use of Wire Suture for the Management of Fractures in Calves

Abstract

Various reduction and fixation techniques have been introduced for the treatment of different types of fractures. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate two methods of fracture treatments in calves having complete fractures due to automobile accident. In addition, a retrospective study was done to observe the occurrence of fractures in calves. Calves presented with the history of automobile accident and clinical signs suggestive of fractures were subjected to detailed physical, orthopaedic and radiographic examination to confirm fractures. For treatment 20 fractures case were included, where 8 cases were treated with closed reduction with external fixation using bamboo splints and plaster of paris. Whereas, open reduction with internal fixation using stainless steel orthopaedic wires and modified thomas splints were used to treat 12 fractures in long bones of calves aged 8 days to 5 months.All calves treated with open reduction and internal fixation showed good weight bearing in the immediate post-operative period. The fixators applied to different bones were well-tolerated, and the animals could lie down, stand and walk freely with the fixator without any problems after 60 days. Post operative radiography confirmed that bone fragments were well maintained until healing occurred and radiograph showed negligible callus and a radioluscent line (less remarkeble radiolucent area) at 60 days. There was no periosteal reaction around the wire suture at the fracture site. So, wire suture provided good alignment and stabilization of fracture fragments, rapid union of fracture resulting in early functional usage of limb. In contrast, two calves cured among 8 calves treated with closed reduction and external fixation, this study resulted that prognosis was not favorable in calves The results of this study exemplify the successful use of wire sutures in the treatment of complete fractures of the long bones in calves.