External skeletal fixation of metacarpal fracture in calves: A clinical evaluation

Metacarpal fractures in twelve calves randomly divided into two groups were immobilized with two external skeletal fixation techniques viz., transfixation with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) splint and plaster cast (TPC) and bilateral type II external skeletal fixator with Aesculap model clamps (ESF). The experiment was evaluated clinically by assessing various parameters including functional limb usage, pain, frame stability, pin site discharge, pin loosening and pin breakage/bending. Each parameter was graded and assigned morbidity points to facilitate statistical comparison. All the calves bore weight on the surgically treated limb immediately after recovery from anaesthesia. Slight serous discharge from pin site was noticed in five calves of TPC group and four calves of ESF group during first two weeks after transfixation. The mean morbidity score was significantly lower (p<0.05) in ESF group than TPC group.