Download PDF
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1993; 06(03): 131-137
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1633111
Clinical Report
Schattauer GmbH

Physeal Fractures of the Metacarpus and Metatarsus in Cattle

A. Steiner
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Ziirich, Switzerland
,
U. Iselin
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Ziirich, Switzerland
,
J. A. Auer
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Ziirich, Switzerland
,
C. J. Lischer
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Ziirich, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received for publication 29 July 1993

Publication Date:
09 February 2018 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Summary

This study describes the history, signalment, fracture configuration (classified according to Salter and Harris = SH), methods of treatment and outcome of 16 cattle suffering from a physeal 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.

Thirteen animals (five SH I and eight SH II) were treated by means of a full-limb cast, one by a modified walking-cast (SH III) and two by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (one open SH II and one SH III). Long-term follow-up evaluation revealed limb angulation, or shortening of the affected bone in seven animals (44%). Two or more signs of a fracture disease were found in 11 out of 13 cases (85%) treated by means of a full-limb cast. The long-term result of the SH III fracture treated by means of a modified walking-cast was satisfactory. A significant negative correlation was found between the body weight of the animals and the time that elapsed from trauma to treatment respectively, and the long-term result. However, correlation was not found between the quality of fracture reduction and the long-term result.

Sixteen physeal fractures of the metacarpus and metatarsus in cattle were evaluated retrospectively using a new radiographic scoring system. A significant negative correlation was found between the body weight of the animals and the time that elapsed from trauma to treatment respectively, and the longterm result. A correlation was not found between the quality of the fracture reduction and the long-term result.

Keywords

Cattle - metacarpus - metatarsus - physeal fracture - radiographic scoring system
 

  • REFERENCES

  • 1 Auer JA, Steiner A, Iselin U. et al. Internal fixation of long bone fractures in farm animals. V.C.O.T. 1993; 6: 36-41.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Ferguson JG. Management and repair of bovine fractures. Compend Cont Educ Pract Vet 1982; 4: S128-S136.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Kostlin RG, Nuss K, Elma E. Metakarpalund Metatarsalfrakturen beim Rind. Tierarztl Prax 1990; 18: 131-44.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Tulleners EP. Management of bovine orthopedic problems. Part I. Fractures. Com-pend Cont Educ Pract Vet 1986; 8: S69-S79.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Tulleners EP. Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dairy cattle: 33 cases (1979-1985). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1986; 189: 463-8.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Watkins JP, Auer JA. Physeal injuries. Compend Cont Educ Pract Vet 1984; 6: S226-S235.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Auer JA. Frakturen beim wachsenden Fohlen und deren Behandlung. Teil I: Epiphysenfrakturen. Pferdeheilk 1986; 2: 353-70.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Adams SB. The role of external fixation and emergency management in bovine orthopedics. Vet Clin North Am (Food Anim Pract) 1985; 1: 109-29.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Welch RD, Watkins JP. Physeal fracture repair using external coaptation in a heifer. Agri Pract 1990; 11: 17-20.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Salter RB, Harris WR. Injuries involving the epiphyseal plate. J Bone Joint Surg 1963; 45A: 587-622.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Steiner A, Oertle C, Pabst B. Erste Hilfe bei GliedmaBenfrakturen von groBen und kleinen Wiederkauern. Schweiz Arch Tierheilk 1989; 131: 627-33.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Bramlage LR. Current concepts of emergency first aid treatment and transportation of equine fracture patients. Compend Cont Educ Pract Vet 1983; 5: S564-S573.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Steiner A. Die Behandlung der Rohrbeinfrakturen beim Rind. Swiss Vet 1991; 8: 23-4.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Gustilo RB, Anderson JT. Prevention of infection in the treatment of one thousand and twenty-five open fractures of long bones. J Bone Joint Surg 1976; 58A: 453-8.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Gustilo RB, Mendoza RM, Williams DN. Problems in the management of Type III (severe) open fractures: A new classification of type III open fractures. J Trauma 1984; 24: 742-6.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Richardson DC. Fracture disease in young animals. In: 4th Annual Veterinary Surgical Forum - Europe. Shires M. (ed). Nice: ACVS; 1991: 152.
    Google Scholar
  • 17 Nemeth F, Back W. The use of the walking cast to repair fractures in horses and ponies. Equine Vet J 1991; 23: 32-6.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Nemeth F, Numans SR. A “walking frame” as a possible treatment of fractures in large domestic animals. Tijdschr Diergeneesk 1972; 97: 1059-69.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Reichel EC. Treatment of fractures of the long bones in large animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1956; 129: 6-15.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Kirpensteijn J, St Jean G, Roush JK. et al. Holding power of orthopaedic screws in metacarpal and metatarsal bones of young calves. V.C.O.T. 1992; 5: 100-3.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 DeBowes RM. Management of angular limb deformities in foals. In: 4th Annual Veterinary Surgical Forum - Europe. Shires M. (ed). Nice: ACVS; 1991: 152.
    Google Scholar
  • 22 Auer JA. Current methods of treating angular limb deformities in foals. 3rd Annual Veterinary Surgical Forum - Europe. Munich: ACVS; 1989: 83-5.
    Google Scholar
  • 23 Auer JA, Martens RJ, Williams EH. Periostal transection for correction of angular limb deformities in foals. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1982; 181: 459-66.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar