Use of a dynamic axial external fixator combined with internal cross pins for metacarpal fracture treatment in calves

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using dynamic axial external fixator combined with cross pins in the treatment of distal metacarpal fractures in calves. The results of distal metaphyseal metacarpal fractures treated with this method in six calves (four females, two males) were examined. The ages of the patients were 17.16 ± 13.22 and their weight was 52 ± 9.48. The calves were born by pulling during labor and they could not stand up after birth. The clinical and radiological examinations found a distal metaphyseal metacarpal fracture. Dynamic axial external fixator with cross pin support was applied to all patients in the operative treatment. The patients' foot postures, stepping, walking and running were found to be smooth and adequate in the postoperative examination. Therefore, cross-pin supported dynamic axial external fixation was found to be a strong enough, well-tolerated and easy-to-apply technique which can be used especially in the treatment of open and infected metacarpal fractures.