Surgical management of experimentally induced coxo-femoral luxation in calves

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evolve a suitable technique which can be adopted under field conditions for the management of coxofemoral luxation in calves and to compare the efficacy of open and closed reduction in the treatment. The study was conducted in 12 male crossbred cal~es in which coxofemorpl luxation was induced under anaesthesia. Two methods of treatment were adopted in two groups of six animals each. In one group open reduction was performed under anaesthesia and the femoral head was fixed in position by the application of an extra articular sling using cortical screws and orthopaedic wires. In the second group, after closed reduction under anaesthesia, immobilisation was effected by the fixation of two Steinmann pins at the greater trochanter through the wing of ilium and tuber ischii an~ connecting the exposed portions of the pins by an external connecting assembly. All the animals were able to get up and lie down without assistance after correction and partially bear weight on the operated limb from the day of surgery itself. Complete weight bearing while standing was noticed in all the animals in two to four days t i.me • Dragging of toe was observed upt o fourth day in animals in which open reduction was performed whereas in other group it was observed upto 23 days. The difficulty encountered in closed reducti9n group was the inability to identify the status of reduction for which radiograph was taken. Open reduction with inunobilisation using screws and wires produced firm seating of femoral head in the acetabulum. The respiration rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature showed an increase within the normal range in all the animals. variations in haematological values were indicative of stress and inflammation subsequent to surgery. Radiographic studies during the period of observation confirmed the position of femoral head in the acetabulum and the absence of recurrence. Gross morphological examination of the hip joint revealed satisfactory healing and absence of local complications. The technique of closed reduction along with external fixation was satisfactory for reduction and immobilization in coxofemoral luxation in calves.