RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate epoxy-pin external skeletal fixation technique for the treatment of open fractures in calves and foals. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-eight calves and four foals (weighing 45-105 kg) with fractures distal to the stifle or elbow made the subject for the retrospective study. The pins (2.0-3.0-mm Kirschner wires, crossed at 60-90°) were fixed at least at two locations in both proximal and distal bone fragments as per the case situation. The pins in the same plane were bent (â¼2 cm from the skin) towards the fracture site or joint and were joined using an adhesive tape (additional pins used when required) to make a temporary scaffold of connecting bars or rings. Thoroughly mixed epoxy putty was applied along the pin scaffold (the epoxy columns were 20-25 mm diameter) and allowed to set for 45 to 60 minutes. All animals were evaluated based on various clinical and radiographic observations made at regular intervals. RESULTS: The epoxy-pin fixation was easy to apply and provided stable fixation of bone as indicated by early weight bearing, and fracture healing within 45 to 60 days (17/32 cases). The functional recovery was good to very good in 14 animals and satisfactory in nine cases by 12 months after removal of the fixator. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplanar epoxy-pin external skeletal fixation provides stable fixation of unstable open fractures distal to the stifle or elbow joint; hence, it can be used to treat a variety of fractures in calves and foals weighing up to approximately 100 kg, especially open infected fractures of lower limb, which are difficult to treat by conventional techniques.
