Summary
Objective: To present a novel technique for the treatment of severe congenital flexural forelimb
deformities in calves.
Methods: Thirteen calves of different breeds and sex with severe congenital flexural forelimb
deformities were enrolled in the study. A semicircular external skeletal fixation
system composed of 6-hole, 45° carbon-fiber arches, 6 mm threaded rods, half-pin fixation
bolts, 6 mm hexagonal nuts, and negative profile end-threaded half-pins were used
for pancarpal arthrodesis. Complications, time to first use of the limb, fixator removal
time, preoperative and postoperative sagittal plane angles of the fused joints, and
functional outcomes were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Final assessments
were determined according to functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Results: All of the surgically treated carpal joints obtained fusion. Seven of the calves
started to use the limb immediately after recovering from anesthesia. In the other
six calves, the time ranged from one to two days. Time to fixator removal ranged from
25 to 36 days (mean 30 days). Final outcome was excellent in 11 cases, and good in
two cases.
Clinical significance: The technique was found to be a useful method for the treatment of severe congenital
flexural forelimb deformities in calves. The cost of the operation is negligible compared
to the economic value of beef cattle.
Keywords
Calf - congenital flexural limb deformity - external fixation - arthrodesis
