Muscle Transposition for the Management of Extensive Experimental Wound at the Metacarpal Region in Goats

The effectiveness of muscle transposition for the management of extensive external wound at the metacarpal region was investigated in goats (Capra hircus). Sixteen goats, aged 12 to 18 months, weighing 15 to 20 kg were randomly divided into 2 groups; group A (n=4, control) and group B (n=12, experimental). In the control group extensive wound was produced to expose the bone and then the wound was closed only by skin coverage. In the experimental group wound was produced to expose the bone and half width of the ulnaris lateralis muscle was transposed for bone coverage and skin was sutured. The survival and acceptance of the transposed muscle, progress of healing of the wound in goats of each group was monitored. The changes in the adherence of the wound site, exudation, swelling, bleeding on needle prick, pain response, lameness and gross morphological observation were recorded on 6 hours and 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 days postoperatively. A good adherence of the transposed muscle with skin and bone was noticed in ten animals out of twelve in experimental goats. Success rate of wound healing was 50% in control group and 83.33% in the experimental group. Muscle transposition gives excellent coverage to the exposed bone and helps in the healing of wound at metacarpal region compared to the skin coverage in goats. Muscle transposition is suggested to be a good tool for the successful management of extensive wounds at the metacarpal region.