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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)

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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
 

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