Clinical and haematological observations on therapeutic ultrasound in management of third metacarpal fractures following bone plating in donkeys.

摘要

Mid-shaft fractures of the left third metacarpal were created experimentally and immobilized by bone plating in 8 clinically healthy donkeys aged 5-7 years and weighing 80-105 kg; 4 donkeys served as controls. In 4 of the experimental animals, therapeutic ultrasound at 0.5 W/cm2, was applied to the fractured limb. Wound healing was rapid, uncomplicated and of first intention in the ultrasound-treated animals; there was less exudation, and the swelling and pain on palpation of the fractured limb decreased faster in the treated animals. Ultrasound-treated animals showed earlier and greater weight bearing on the operated limb.