Evaluation of bilateral tibial fracture management by external and internal fixation technique in a calf

Abstract

Unilateral diaphyseal tibial fractures are very common in different species of animals but the occurrence and repair of bilateral diaphyseal tibial fractures are very rare. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral tibial fracture management in a calf. The study was performed in a 75 days old cross-bred calf weighing 42 kgs which was suffering from bilateral tibial fracture and treated by external coaptation technique on left tibia and internal fixation by retrograde intramedullary pinning on the right tibia. The patient was evaluated after treatment at different intervals by recording the lameness grade, functional limb outcome, fracture healing. Satisfactory posture (weight bearing), gait and secondary bone healing in both left and right tibia were noticed up to 93 day of post-treatment with the minor complications of swelling and stiffness of the right hock joint and hyperextension of fetlock joint of left hind limb. This technique can be used in bilateral tibial fracture management in calf in field condition with reasonable cost.