External fixation with acrylic frame in forelimb fracture of Korean native two calves

Two day-old male and 1 month-old female Hanwoo calves presented to Chonbuk Animal Medical Center in Chonbuk National University. Two calves were stepped by mother cow and had right (2 day-old male) and left (1 month-old female) forelimb lameness. The male calf was diagnosed as right radius-ulnar fracture through physical and radiographic examination. The other female calf was diagnosed as left third and fourth metacarpal bone fracture by the same examinations as male calf. Acrylic frame external fixator was used to reduce the fractures. Arcrylic frame external fixator in two calves lasted for 5~6 weeks. After removing the acrylic frame external fixator, radiographic evaluation and physical examination were performed. Fractured radius-ulnar and metacarpal bones were unionized and the calves were able to stand and bear weight. In these two calves, application of acrylic frame external fixator in calf fracture was effective. Acrylic frame external fixator should be considered for the repair of radius-ulnar and metacarpal bone fracture in calf.