PMMA plate for fixation and repair of tibial fractures-A study of six caprines

Six goats with tibial fractures were subjected to fixation and repair study. All animals were treated with internal immobilisation with fabricated polypropylene mesh impregnated poly methylmethacrylate plates. After treatment all animals were applied with splints for five days. Post-operatively, the animals were evaluated for implant stability, weight bearing and radiographic evaluation. The implant provided sufficient stability for fracture fragments and animals started showing mild weight bearing from 7th day onwards and good weight bearing by 30th day. Radiographic evaluation showed periosteal callus formation by 15th day on far cortex side then on the near cortex of plate. Complete cortical union was noticed by 60th post-operative day. The study concluded that polypropylene mesh impregnated plate provided sufficient strength and stability to the fracture site and was economical and affordable for internal fixation in goats.