Successful surgical management of diaphyseal radio-ulnar fracture in a goat using normograde intramedullary pinning and interfragmentary wiring: A case report

Abstract

Fractures of the radius and ulna are among the most frequently reported
long bone fractures in goats, especially in young and active animals. In
most cases, such fractures are overriding in nature, and corrections are
very difficult by external fixation method. Different techniques are used
for correction of radius and ulnar fracture in goats. Mostly plating
technique is used for radius and ulnar fracture management which is
comparatively expensive. However, intramedullary pinning technique is
less commonly used for radius and ulnar fracture correction. This case
report describes the successful surgical management of radial–ulnar
fracture in a 3-month-old, 14 kg, male castrated, Jamunapari goat. The
case was referred to SAQ Teaching Veterinary Hospital with a history
of non-weight bearing limping due to trauma. Clinical and
radiographical examination revealed a closed complete, overriding, middiaphyseal radius and ulnar fracture. Based on diagnosis and availability
of facilities, the decision was made to correct the fracture using the
normograde intramedullary pinning (IMP) with interfragmentary wiring.
The surgery was performed with diazepam and ketamine anaesthesia. A
3.0mm Steinmann pin and 22-gauze stainless steel wire were used for
this technique. Post-operatively broad-spectrum antibiotic,
antihistaminic, pain killer and modified Robert Jones bandage were
used. The patient was evaluated clinically and radiographically. The
goat demonstrated progressive clinical improvement, with gradual
return to weight-bearing and radiographic evidence of callus formation
at 30th postoperative day. The outcome indicates that intramedullary
pinning with wiring provides sufficient stability against bending and
rotational forces, resulting in uneventful recovery. This case highlights
the clinical utility of intramedullary pinning and wiring as a practical
and effective technique for managing diaphyseal radius–ulna fractures
in goats. However, as this is a single case report, the findings cannot be
generalized, and further controlled studies are required to validate this
technique in larger populations of goats.