Summary
This study describes the history, signalment, fracture configuration, methods of treatment
and outcome of 58 cattle suffering from a shaft fracture of the metacarpus or metatarsus.
For the purpose of describing the accuracy of fracture reduction and progress of healing,
as defined by radiographs, a grading system was developed and is described.
Of the 58 animals, 17 (29.3%) were treated by means of a full-limb cast, seven (12.1%)
by a walking-cast, 13 (22.4%) by a modified walking-cast, and 11 (19.0%) by open reduction
and internal fixation (ORIF). Ten animals (17.2%) were slaughtered, because of economic
reasons, immediately after the diagnosis had been confirmed. The (modified) walking-cast
techniques were more frequently used for treatment of complex fractures; full-limb
cast and ORIF were more frequently used for the other fracture types. Radiographic
long-term followup data revealed that ORIF provided significantly better long-term
results than external coaptation. An angular limb deformity in the saggital plane
(plantar bowing) occurred in three of four metatarsal, but not in metacarpal fractures
treated by external coaptation. A significant correlation existed between the quality
of fracture reduction and the long-term result. However, a correlation was not found
between the age and body weight of the animals and the outcome, and between the time
from trauma to treatment and the outcome.
Fifty-eight shaft fractures of the metacarpus and metatarsus in cattle were evaluated
retrospectively using a new radiographic scoring system. Open reduction and internal
fixation provided significantly better long-term results than external coaptation.
A significant correlation was found between the quality of the fracture reduction
and the long-term result; a correlation was not found between age and body weight
of the animal and the outcome, nor between the time that elapsed from trauma to treatment
and the outcome.
Keywords
Cattle - metacarpus - metatarsus - shaft fracture - radiographic scoring system
