Interlocking nail stabilization technique for long bone fractures in calves

Abstract

The aim of this study was to report the clinical and radiographic outcome from using an interlocking nail (ILN) technique for the stabilization of long bone fractures in 15 calves. Forty-eight calves with fractures were presented to the large animal hospital. Fifteen calves of different breeds, age, sex and weight with front or hind limb fractures were considered suitable for ILN application. These included proximal or distal diaphyseal transverse and oblique fractures of the humerus, radius, femur and tibia. The third generation of six, eight, nine and 10mm diameter interlocking nails were used in this study. Interlocking pins were used for 15 calves, whose fractures included seven femur (46.6%), four tibia (26.6%), two humerus (13.3%) and two radius (13.3%). Ten out of the 15 calves (66.6%) recovered well without any problems in the post-operative period. In five cases (33.3%), there were complications due to various causes such as infection or wound breakdown or they were slaughtered in the post-operative period. The success rate was linked to the post-operative care conditions, so despite the short period of the operation and good fixation, any success rate was often reduced by inadequate management in the post-operative period. This study showed that fractures occur particularly during birth, due to inappropriate obstetric assistance, potentially causing severe economic loss for the cattle industry. The interlocking nail stabilization technique could have widespread application for calf orthopedics.