Treatment of fractures of the tibia and radius-ulna by external coaptation

External coaptation of radial-ulnar and tibial fractures with casts or modified Thomas splint-cast combinations is a useful treatment. The economics of therapy make this method of treatment feasible for commercial animals. Current estimates for the cost of treatment of tibial fractures with Thomas splint-cast combinations are $225.00 for calves and $410.00 for cattle if the metal splints are reused. Casts have similar costs. The availability of external coaptation techniques to all veterinarians and the success of treatment make external coaptation a good method for the treatment of many tibial and radial-ulnar fractures in cattle.