malunion, delayed union, nonunion, avascular necrosis shortening of bone, and infection.

associated complications may include injuries to nerves,blood vessel viscera, tendons and joints. Nerve injury: the nerve injury may occur either du e to direct trauma or by subsequent uncontrollrd move ments of the fractured en ds. redial, obturator, supras capular and peroneal nerves are more prone to inju ry The extent of injury may vary froms simpl contusion with temporary loss of ne rve function to complete sevenng of the nerve and paralysis of involved part In ruminants, however, serious nerve injuries due to fractures have rarely been re ported. In cases of nerve injury, early and effective fixation of fracture should be pro vided. The prognosis for partial nerve damage is good and most cases recover spo ntaneously in few weeks following fracture treatment and good nursing. However, in case of complete damage of the nerve, the prognosis is guarded particularly if the animal is recumbent. Injury to blood vessels: Damage to the major blood vessels may occur due to dire ct trauma at the time of injury or due to uncontrolled movements of the frac-tur e fragment during struggling of the animal before fixation of the fracture. The vessels may also be severed by the sharp edged frac ture ends during the process of fracture reduction. Cold extremities distal to t he site of injury and excessive bleeding from the injured site are suggestive of involvement of a majo artery. Signs of damage to the vein are not th apparent if the soft tissue arou nd the bone is not severely damaged. The treatment in such cases include ligation of the involved vessel and proper r eduction and rigid fixation of the fracture. The prognosis is good if sur-roundi ng soft tissue is intact. In case surrounding soft tissue is severely damaged an d signs of ischaemia in the involved extremity have become apparent, the prognos is is poor. In such cases amputation of the limb can be coasidered. Injury to viscera: Injury to visceral organs can be ap-in cases of fracture of r ibs and pelvic fracture of ribs, injury to the lungs, heart.