Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New key ring fixator method for fixing bird leg bone breaks
By Katogiritis, Anna et al.·Published in Journal of avian medicine and surgery·2019·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Key Ring Fixator: A Novel External Fixation Technique for Avian Long Bone Stabilization.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old blue-fronted Amazon parrot and a 14-year-old female Catalina macaw were treated for serious leg fractures. The parrot had an open fracture that didn't heal well with a standard bandage, leading to the use of a special device called a key ring fixator to stabilize the bone. The macaw also received this fixator for her fracture. After treatment, both birds healed completely, and they were able to use their legs normally for several years afterward.
People also search for: parrot leg fracture treatment · macaw bone healing · key ring fixator for birds
Abstract
A 12-year-old blue-fronted Amazon parrot () of unknown sex (case 1) and a 14-year-old female hybrid Catalina macaw (×) (case 2) were evaluated and treated for an open tarsometatarsal fracture and a tibiotarsal fracture, respectively. In case 1, 1 month of external coaptation resulted in a delayed union, significant osteolysis, and presumptive osteomyelitis, which led to the decision to treat with a key ring fixator. In case 2, a key ring fixator was chosen for fracture repair because of presumed resistance to destruction by the bird. In both cases, fractures were stabilized with makeshift circular external fixators composed of key rings, K-wires, orthopedic wire, and acrylic resin. After key ring fixator removal, radiographs confirmed complete bone healing. Both patients had acceptable function of the affected limbs 5 years (case 1) and 2 years (case 2) after their procedures. The key ring fixator described in this report is a viable option for fracture repair in pelvic limbs of moderately sized birds (300-1500 g).
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31251504/