Repair of femoral capital physeal fractures in 12 cattle

Objective-To document signalment, clinical signs, and long-term outcome of surgical treatment for femoral capital physeal fractures in cattle. Study Design-Retrospective study. Animals-Twelve cattle with femoral capital physeal fractures. Methods-Cases were identified by a search of radiographic records. Historical, diagnostic, surgical, and outcome data were collected from the medical records. Owners were contacted for follow-up information by telephone. Results-Fractures were repaired by screws inserted in lag fashion in 4 animals and by use of multiple intramedullary pins in 8 animals. Six of 12 animals required repeat surgery to reposition screws or pins. Nine animals were considered successfully treated at discharge. Six months after surgery, 6 of I I animals for which follow-up was obtained were still sound. At 12 months, 4 of 4 animals alive were still sound. Animals that bore weight earliest postoperatively were more likely to have a successful outcome. Animals < 12 months of age had better outcomes than animals > 12 months of age. Conclusions-Prognosis for serviceable soundness is good in cattle < 12 months of age and fair in animals > 12 months of age after surgical repair of femoral capital physeal fracture by stacking intramedullary pins or by screws inserted in lag fashion. Clinical Relevance-Surgical repair of femoral capital physeal fracture is most successful in younger cattle and can result in productive animals. (C) Copyright 2003 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.