Fracture treatment using external immobilization or transfixation with iron side bar or dynamic acrylic side bar in large ruminants in remote villages

Forty cases of large ruminants weighing 70 kg to 800 kg were attended at farmers door step in remote villages. The animals were categorized into 5 groups depending on the severity of the case and the method used for fracture repair. In group I, 6 cattle and buffaloes having simple, complete fractures of metacarpal, metatarsal or tibia were treated with plaster cast reinforced with iron rods. In group II, 8 cattle and buffaloes, 7 having simple, complete radial or tibial fractures were treated with plaster cast and modified Thomas splint. In group III (2 calves, 1 cow) animals having compound tibial fractures were treated with external skeletal fixation reinforced with polymethyl methacrylate side bar. In group IV (10 cattle) with either simple or compound tibial fractures were treated with transfixation pinning reinforced with iron side bar. In group V, 13 animals having body weight of more than 400 kg and presented with open tibial fractures were recommended for disposal due to late presentation, recumbency and unwillingness of owners to attempt any treatment. Transfixation pinning with external iron bar provided better weight bearing and results. The transfixation pinning reinforced with acrylic (PMMA) side bar was prepared using flexible pipe and fixed to the fracture site under tension and the acrylic material was poured in to the side bar. Thus compression was achieved once the material was set and became hard. However, this technique was not successful in adult cow having open tibial fracture, but was successful in smaller calves. Plaster cast technique resulted in good weight bearing and functional use of limb when applied for metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in adult cows and buffaloes and tibial fractures in heifers. No single treatment can be recommended for large animal fracture repair and several combinations have to be adopted under field conditions.