Repair of metatarsal and tibial fractures in hill bulls using a fabricated uniaxially dynamic full pin transfixation device: An experimental study

Repair of experimentally created open mid diaphyseal fracture of metatarsus and tibia was undertaken by using a fabricated uniaxially dynamic full pin transfixation device. Twelve adult hill bulls were randomly divided into three groups, viz., A, B and C, each consisting of four animals. The animals of group A were subjected to metatarsal fracture repair and those of group B and C were subjected to tibial fracture repair. Device alone, device with a four holed heavy duty bone plate and device with a bovine horn plafe was used for fracture fixation in groups A, B and C, respectively. Gross observation, radiographic evaluation and study of functional weight bearing status for a period of 120 days revealed clinical union to be quicker in animals of group A and C than those of group B. The mean period of near normal functional weight bearing was 9 and 6 weeks, respectively, in groups A and C, whereas in group B, no animal could attain normal weight bearing even by the end of 16th week postoperatively.