Bone splinting techniques for long bone fractures in small ruminants: A review of six cases

Abstract

Long bone fractures are a prevalent orthopedic concern in small ruminants, particularly goats, often resulting from trauma such as road accidents, falls, or dog attacks. This clinical study evaluated six cases of long bone fractures presented to the Large Animal Surgery Unit at VCRI, Namakkal, employing three fixation techniques which include external skeletal fixation (ESF), intramedullary pinning (IMP), and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). Each case underwent thorough clinical and radiographic assessment to guide implant selection and surgical planning. ESF was used for metacarpal and metatarsal fractures with open wounds, facilitating drainage and early weight bearing. IMP was applied to humeral and tibial fractures, promoting secondary bone healing through callus formation. MIPO was reserved for comminuted tibial fracture, enabling early mobilization and primary bone healing. Across all techniques, postoperative care and implant sizing were critical to functional recovery. The study highlights the therapeutic versatility and clinical efficacy of fixation strategies in managing long bone fractures in field conditions.