Hypothesis 1:  Fracture with sepsis-Delayed Union


The difficult birth with the use of chains and the calf jack caused a fracture of the leg.  
The crepitance and swelling that is noted is a result of the fracture.  


The etiology of a delayed union could be attributed to instability, vascular compromise, large fracture gaps, interposed soft tissues, infection and inappropriate fixation techniques.  Any of these factors would result in the valgus deformation that is seen. 

The leg was bandaged for 3 weeks after the injury but the bones were not properly aligned. The bandaging did not provide the rigid support and stability that would be required for optimal bone healing.  Damage to the blood supply caused by the initial fracture results in no new tissue formation and is often associated with dead bone at the fracture sight.  The draining tract could be due to a sequestrum.


The skin lesions were caused by the use of the chains during the difficult birth.  The 
wounds were not properly cleaned prior to bandaging and casting.  The warm, moist 
environment provided by the bandage and the cast allowed the infection to develop, creating an abcess 
with a draining tract and purulent exudate.