Surgical Management of a Salter-Harris Type I Distal Physeal Fracture of the Tibia in a Calf: A Case Report

Fractures are common conditions in cattle, including tibial fractures. Physeal tibial fractures are more specific and less frequently met in field conditions. A calf with a Salter-Harris type I distal physeal fracture of the tibia was referred to the National Veterinary School of Toulouse (ENVT), France. Although the use of external fixators in the treatment of tibial fractures is common, distal physeal tibial fractures require a different and specific technique involving them. They were first used as a lever arm to reduce the fracture due to the severe displacement. A hock joint bypass was then performed. Six weeks after treatment, the calf recovered successfully from the use of the affected limb without any adverse sequelae. The present case provides management of a distal tibial fracture using external fixators. This innovative and accessible surgical technique may be used by veterinary practitioners in future similar cases of distal tibial fractures when pins in the distal end cannot be inserted.