Effect of metacarpal osteotomy and traction for lengthening of the forelimb in calves
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Date
1998
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Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy
Abstract
The study was undertaken with the objectives of
evaluating the effect of osteotomy and distraction
osteogenesis for lengthening of the limb and to evolve
treatment measures that can be adopted for the correction of
shortened limb in calves.
The experimental study was conducted in 12 crossbred bull
calves aged six to twelve months and weighing 60 to 120 kg,
randomly divided into two groups of six animals each. Under
xylazine (@ 0.2 mg/kg) sedation and brachial plexus block (two
per cent lignocaine solution 10-15 ml) transverse osteotomy
was performed at the mid-shaft region of the metacarpal bone.
In group I the limb was immobilized using a locally fabricated
full pin transverse fixation device. From the sixth day
onwards, the bone fragments were retracted in opposite
directions at the rate 1 mm gap/day for 10 days. In group II
partial tenotomy of the flexor tendons was performed on the
sixth day and immobilization and retraction procedures was
adopted as in group I.
Sedation with xylazine followed by brachial plexus block
was found satisfactory for the surgical manipulations.
Increase in rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate was noticed following surgery but the increase was within normal range in both the groups. The total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, and packed cell volume increased whereas the haemoglobin concentration was seen reduced in both the groups following surgery but the changes
were within normal limits.
Initially there was increase in
neutrophil count with relative reduction in lymphocyte count.
There was decrease in eosinophil count, but was within normal
range.
The variations in monocyte and basophil counts were
only marginal in both the groups. All the animals were able to get up unassisted and were
able to walk with limping within 24 h after surgery.
They were able to bear weight on the limb within 24 h to three
days, though there was favouring of the limb with too
pointing. Oedema was observed in all the animals and was more
evident in those animals where there was infection. In a few
animals the complications such as angulation of the limb due
to displacement of bone fragments, infection at the fracture
site and pin tracts and loosening of pins were noticed. The
functional status of the limb was not altered in those animals
where complications were not noticed.
Radiographically radiodense zone on the cut edges of the
fractured fragments was noticed by 15th postoperative day,
evidence of osseous callus by 30th postoperative day and
visible callus with a gap at the centre by 45th postoperative
day.
The bone fragments were seen firmly fixed with a well
developed callus and histological examination of the callus
revealed the presence of fibrous tissue proliferation and
osseous trabaculae indicating formation of a new bone.
The length of the operated metacarpal bone was seen
increased by 0.6 to 1.0 cm when compared to the opposite
normal metacarpal bone.
In the present study, the locally fabricated full pin
transverse fixator used was found satisfactory for the
lengthening procedures. It facilitated traction and provided
rigid immobilization for the fragments. The calves tolerated
the fixator well. There was no damage to the fixator during
the period of observation.
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Citation
171335