Use of a type II external skeletal fixator for repair of delayed union in three calves with forelimb fractures

Three calves, 3 to 6 months old, were admitted for evaluation and treatment of fractures of the forelimb that had resulted from use of forced extraction at birth. Each of these calves had clinical and radiographic evidence of delayed union of a fractured metacarpus. All calves were treated, using a type II external skeletal fixator consisting of 0.25-inch-diameter transcortical pins and acrylic connecting bars. Two calves required open reduction of the fracture to obtain anatomic alignment of the limb. On the basis of the 3 calves described here, it would appear that type II external skeletal fixators may be adequate for treatment of selected calves with delayed union of a fracture.