Application of a type II external skeletal fixator with PMMA or carbon fiber as connecting rods for the repair of long bone fractures in goats

A clinical study was conducted in twelve goats with long bone fractures. Goats were divided randomly into two equal groups. The fractures were treated with type II external skeletal fixator with External Skeletal Fixation with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or carbon fibers as connecting rods in group I and II, respectively. Fractures were evaluated for clinical, radiological and biochemical parameters both pre-operatively and post-operatively on 0th, 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th day. Post-operatively, goats showed partial weight bearing on 0th day and contact of sole to ground within 8 days. Swelling and serous pin tract discharge were noticed during 2-5 days, which resolved by 1st week. The limb usage in both groups progressed from non-weight bearing on pre-operative day to complete weight bearing on 60th post-operative day. Radiographs revealed fracture healing with secondary callus formation with satisfactory alignment on 0th day, periosteal callus initiation on 15th day and apparently bridged fragments on 30th day. Osteolysis, periosteal reaction at pin-bone interfaces and barely visible to absent fracture line were observed on 45th day. Evident osteolysis and periosteal reaction at pin-bone interface and completely healed fracture with initiated cortico-medullary union and callus remodeling were evident on 60th day. Increased values of serum phosphorous and serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase were observed on 15th and 30th day when compared to pre-operative day and they were restored to normal by 60th day. All the biochemical values were recorded within physiological range. Intraoperative complications were minimal and post-operatively pin loosening, pin tract infection and fixator failure were observed. From the present study it was inferred that the closed reduction with minimally invasive technique provided satisfactory fracture fixation and early ambulation in goats. Carbon fibers offered advantages like earlier weight bearing, better alignment adjustment and better radiographic fracture site visibility. In addition, higher initial incurred costs, and the reusability of implants can mitigate long-term expenses.