Influence of transfixation pinning and casting (TPC) configurations on treatment outcomes in bovine tibial fracture

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the treatment outcomes of tibial fractureusing different configurations of transfixation pinning and casting (TPC) in eight cattle. After pinswere inserted to stabilize the fracture site, cast material was placed from the level of the stifle tothe hoof (full TPC) in six cases and from the stifle to the proximal metatarsus (partial TPC) in twocases. Five cattle (three full TPC and two partial TPC cases) underwent TPC removal 36–86 daysafter surgery and resumed productivity. The other three cattle which underwent full TPC sufferedfrom irreversible orthopedic complications within 5 weeks of surgery, while a prolonged healingprocess was observed in the partial TPC cases. Although TPC is an effective method for treatingbovine tibial fracture, full TPC may result in a guarded prognosis in some cattle. However, partialTPC can delay healing. Surgeons should choose the optimal TPC configuration while consideringthe various factors that affect the healing process.