Haemato-biochemical response to external skeletal fixation and autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate in stabilization of long bone fracture in small ruminants 

Abstract

The present clinical study aimed to assess the changes of haemato- biochemical parameters in relation to bone healing. Twelve cases of long bone fractures in sheep and goats of either sex aged between 3 months to 2 years were divided into equal groups of six animals in each: Group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2). G1 animals were stabilised with free-form external skeletal fixation (ESF) alone, whereas G2 animals were stabilised with free-form ESF along with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injected percutaneously into fracture site. To evaluate the rate of repair, the haemato-biochemical changes were observed on day 0 and on 7th, 15th, 30t, 45th, 60th and 90th post- operative days. Statistical analyses for the comparison of the results of haematology (Hb, Total leucocyte count, DLC) and biochemical parameters (Ca; P; ALP; TP; AB; electrolytes- Na+, K+, Cl-; Cu and Fe) between the two groups revealed the following. The values of Hb started increasing 7 days post-surgery till 90th day in both groups, showing significant difference in G2 between time intervals. Total leucocyte count (TLC) showed significant increase from 0 to 7th day in both groups with the G2 having significantly lower (p<0.01) counts than G1. The Ca and Mg levels increased till 30 days post-surgery, while the levels of P decreased significantly till 90th day in both groups. The concentration of P and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were found to be significantly higher in G2 compared to G1. The levels of total protein (TP) and albumin (AB) on 7th day were lower in both the groups indicating acute phase response. On the 7th post-operative day, the serum Na+ levels increased significantly, while the serum K+ and Cl- levels decreased significantly in both the groups. The concentration of serum Cu and Fe showed significant increase up to 30th day post-surgery in both groups with significantly higher values in G2 than G1. Hence, from the present study it can be concluded that the application of BMAC at the site of fracture aids in better healing of all long bone fractures aligned along with free form ESF in small ruminants when compared to the use of free form ESF alone.