Surgical stabilisation of distal femoral fractures in calves using a triple pin technique: Twenty-five cases.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to develop a safe fixation technique for the effective treatment of supracondylar and distal diaphyseal femoral fractures in newborn calves.

METHODS: This study included a total of 25 newborn calves diagnosed with supracondylar or distal diaphyseal femoral fractures based on anamnesis and clinical and radiographic examination findings. Operations were performed under intrathecal anaesthesia. During the operation, the fracture line was found, and fixation was achieved by placing two Steinmann and Schanz pins.

RESULTS: No abnormal findings were seen in the radiographs performed 28 days after surgery, and it was determined that a hard callus had started to form. It was observed that the patients who had lightly stepped on the ground for the first 3 days after the operation were able to walk without any problems on day 28.

LIMITATIONS: As this study involved neonatal calves aged 1-14 days, the operation could only be performed under spinal anaesthesia with no sedation. However, sedation is likely to be applied in addition to spinal anaesthesia in older calves.

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the triple pin technique can be safely used in the treatment of supracondylar and distal diaphyseal femoral fractures.