Management of ipsilateral fractures-metacarpus with circular external skeletal fixator and metatarsus with PVC splints in a calf

A two-month-old female Jersey X calf weighing about 70 kg was presented with non-weight bearing on its limbs following vehicular trauma. Clinical examination revealed ipsilateral fractures of the right metacarpus and metatarsus. Radiographic examination confirmed comminuted fracture at the proximal end of metacarpus with fissures on its long axis and non-reducible wedge fracture of metatarsus. Under xylazine sedation and local infiltration analgesia, the metacarpus was immobilised by using aluminium half rings of size 110 mm and transfixation using 1.8 mm K-wires with one ring each at the distal radius and at proximal, mid-shaft and distal metacarpus as per the standard procedure. The fractured metatarsus was immobilised with PVC gutter splints one each at the dorsal and plantar sides. The animal was ambulatory immediately after the immobilisation procedures and the animal's tolerance to the fixator and PVC splints was satisfactory. Radiological sign of healing was noticed in both fractured bones during 3^rd week. The proximal ring at the distal radius was removed in the 5^th week. Satisfactory clinical union with PVC splints was achieved in the metatarsus at 6^th week and with the ring fixator on the 8th week. The animal displayed full functional limb usage on 10^th week.