SummaryThis study describes the history, signalment, fracture configuration, methods of treatment and outcome of 58 cattle suffering from a shaft fracture of the metacarpus or metatarsus. For the purpose of describing the accuracy of fracture reduction and progress of healing, as defined by radiographs, a grading system was developed and is described.Of the 58 animals, 17 (29.3%) were treated by means of a full-limb cast, seven (12.1%) by a walking-cast, 13 (22.4%) by a modified walking-cast, and 11 (19.0%) by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Ten animals (17.2%) were slaughtered, because of economic reasons, immediately after the diagnosis had been confirmed. The (modified) walking-cast techniques were more frequently used for treatment of complex fractures; full-limb cast and ORIF were more frequently used for the other fracture types. Radiographic long-term followup data revealed that ORIF provided significantly better long-term results than external coaptation. An angular limb deformity in the saggital plane (plantar bowing) occurred in three of four metatarsal, but not in metacarpal fractures treated by external coaptation. A significant correlation existed between the quality of fracture reduction and the long-term result. However, a correlation was not found between the age and body weight of the animals and the outcome, and between the time from trauma to treatment and the outcome.Fifty-eight shaft fractures of the metacarpus and metatarsus in cattle were evaluated retrospectively using a new radiographic scoring system. Open reduction and internal fixation provided significantly better long-term results than external coaptation. A significant correlation was found between the quality of the fracture reduction and the long-term result; a correlation was not found between age and body weight of the animal and the outcome, nor between the time that elapsed from trauma to treatment and the outcome.
Outcomes of Patients With Pelvic-Ring Fractures Managed by Open Reduction Internal Fixation
