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Proximal phalanx (P1) fractures in horses are relatively common, and present significant treatment challenges, especially when the fractures are comminuted or infected. An innovative treatment approach includes attaching an external fixator to the third metacarpal bone (MC III), the healthy bone above fracture, to offload the injured P1 and protect it from load–bearing forces, particularly during post–surgical standing up. This study aims to develop the favourable mathematical and numerical models for screws configuration in this external fixator. Nine configurations (I-IX), varying in screw alignment and number, were investigated based on the experimental data from computed tomography and simulations of compression tests. Cortical and trabecular tissues were modelled as a nonlinear viscoelastic continuum, with material constants identified through uniaxial compression and stress relaxation tests. The best attachment of the external fixator was analysed in terms of stresses and strains in both trabecular and cortical bone, as well as stresses in screws. Configuration II (1 diaphysis screw, 4 distal metaphysis screws at 7°) and III (1 diaphysis screw, 4 distal metaphysis screws at 14°) were identified as mostly biomechanically favourable. This external stabilization approach could potentially reduce the rate of post–surgical failure often leading to horse euthanasia.

Transarticular external skeletal fixation (TESF) is repeatedly used for temporary stabilisation of tarsal joint in cats. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the use of temporary modified type II TESF for management of talocrural instability (TCI) in cats without joint arthrodesis and to rate short-term outcomes and complications. Medical records of all cats treated for TCI between January 2012 and December 2021 were reviewed. Information was collected including signalment, degree of lameness, type of TCI, accompanying soft tissue and bone injuries, and post-operative follow-up assessment including time of frame removal, complications, degree of lameness, range of joint motion and ankylosis. Surgical management didn’t involve debridement of the articular cartilage. Eighty-five percent of cats had satisfactory joint stability at the time of frame removal. Eighteen cats exhibited minor complications, six cats had major complications, and 8 cats showed persistent lameness. All cats showed reduction of joint motion range by 20°–30° directly after frame removal while returned to normal in 79% of cats 4 weeks later. Variable degrees of joint ankylosis were reported. In conclusion, this study supports the use of temporary modified type II TESF for management of TCI in cats without joint involvement as an excellent alternative to tarsal arthrodesis.

Background Biological osteosynthesis preserves blood supply and promotes rapid healing by aligning fracture fragments without direct surgical exposure. Pedicle screws are primarily designed for internal fixation in spinal procedures. A key objective of many orthopedic studies is to assess the biocompatibility of implants with bone and adjacent soft tissue. This study aims to evaluate the biocompatibility and effects of the Pedicle screw‐Rod configuration as a novel external fixation method in canine tibial osteotomy. Methods With ethics approval, eight healthy, intact male dogs, aged 10–12 months and weighing between 20 and 22 kg, underwent a minimally invasive medial tibial approach for surgical fixation of tibial osteotomy using a Pedicle screw‐Rod configuration. Postoperative evaluations included ultrasound assessments at the osteotomy site and histological evaluations at the bone‐screw interface. Results B‐mode ultrasound evaluation indicated healing progress at all osteotomy sites. The color Doppler examination revealed an initial increase in signals in the surrounding soft tissue during the first 4 weeks post‐operation, followed by a decrease in signals within the adjacent soft tissue between the 5th and 8th weeks. During this latter period, the signals were primarily concentrated on the bone surface and the callus. The bone‐screw interface at various screw sites exhibited similar histological changes, indicating effective integration of the newly formed woven bone into the screw threads. Conclusions Fixation of non‐articular tibial osteotomy with Pedicle screw‐Rod configuration resulted in secondary bone healing, characterized by abundant callus formation and neovascularization. This implant demonstrated favorable biocompatibility with bone and surrounding soft tissue, without significant complications. This study demonstrates that using a Pedicle screw‐Rod configuration for the external fixation of non‐articular tibial osteotomy aligns well with the principles of biological osteosynthesis, resulting in secondary bone healing characterized by callus formation and neovascularization. The implant exhibited favorable biocompatibility with the bone and surrounding soft tissue, without significant complications.

Distraction osteogenesis was used in 2 wild raptor patients for the repair of tibiotarsal fractures. The first case was a hatching year female peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) admitted with an open oblique right distal tibiotarsal fracture. The fracture was surgically managed with the external skeletal fixator intramedullary pin tie-in technique (ESF-IM pin tie-in). Appropriate healing of the fracture site occurred with the ESF-IM pin tie-in. However, there was significant pelvic limb shortening of the affected leg, and the bird consequently developed pododermatitis on the contralateral foot. The second case was an adult female great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) that was admitted with a closed, partially healed, overriding right tibiotarsal fracture. Because of the advanced stage of this fracture, which presented with a fibrous callus, and the already apparent pelvic limb shortening, the ESF-IM pin tie-in was not used. Both patients were fitted with a circular external skeletal fixator (CESF), and distraction osteogenesis was performed until the length of the pelvic limb was deemed anatomically adequate. It is critical that rehabilitated raptors be released without any physical conditions that may reduce their ability to survive and reproduce in the wild. Pelvic limb shortening can potentially predispose a raptor patient to pododermatitis, even with fatal consequences, in both captive and wild environments. The orthopedic technique used here proved useful to repair the limb shortening in both raptor cases, and each bird fully recovered and was released.

An adult, male snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) was found down and unable to fly in western New York State. Physical examination and radiographs revealed a subacute, open wound and fractured major and minor metacarpals of the right wing. A minimal type II external skeletal fixator (ESF) device was placed on the right major metacarpal bone and the open wound was allowed to granulate and close. After evidence of bone union, the ESF device was removed. The owl performed auto-physiotherapy throughout the process and was released with sustained flight 2 months postoperatively. It was recaptured 7 weeks later and underwent further rehabilitation to allow successful release 11 months after surgical stabilization. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing use of a type II ESF device on the metacarpus of a bird.

A 12-year-old blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) of unknown sex (case 1) and a 14-year-old female hybrid Catalina macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao) (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).

Purpose. Our research was aimed at studying the radiographic and histological outcomes of using flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) combined with Ilizarov external fixation (IEF) versus Ilizarov external fixation alone on a canine model of an open tibial shaft fracture. Materials and Methods. Transverse diaphyseal tibial fractures were modelled in twenty dogs. Fractures in the dogs of group 1 (n=10) were stabilized with the Ilizarov apparatus while it was combined with FIN in group 2 (n=10). Results. On day 14, a bone tissue envelope started developing round the FIN wires. Histologically, we revealed only endosteal bone union in group 1 while in group 2 the radiographs revealed complete bone union on day 28. At the same time-point, the areas of cancellous and mature lamellar bone tissues were observed in the intermediary area in group 2. The periosteal layers were formed of the trabeculae net of lamellar structure and united the bone fragments. The frame was removed at 30 days after the fracture in group 2 and after 45 days in group 1 according to bone regeneration. Conclusion. The combination of the Ilizarov apparatus and FIN accelerates bone repair and augments stabilization of tibial shaft fractures as compared with the use of the Ilizarov fixation alone.

Six cases of rostral mandibular fracture with considerable displacement were treated successfully by external coaptation. Four cases were simple and two were compound fractures. After xylazine sedation and manual reduction of the fractures, the casting tape was laminated to make a rigid splint below the mandibles and then the splint was secured using the casting tape passing the nasal bridge and cranial and/or caudal to the ears as it encircled the head. During application of the tape, a PVC pipe 25 mm in diameter was held in its jaws to keep the mouth open so that the calf could suckle. Simple rostral mandibular fractures were cured after two weeks of cast immobilisation and compound fractures after about three weeks. This method is easy and non-stressful and provided a good prognosis in the present cases.

An adult male African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) was diagnosed with an open right distal tarsometatarsal fracture on physical examination and radiographs. External coaptation in the form of an L splint failed to stabilize the fracture appropriately and additional fixation options were explored. The location of the fracture near the articulation between the tarsometatarsus and the hallux, the short distal fracture segment, and decreased viability of the foot precluded the use of previously described fixation methods for tarsometatarsal fracture repair. A three-ring external fixator system with modification to the distal-most ring allowed for postoperative weight-bearing with minimal nursing care. The fixator was removed after 41 days, and the bird remained fully weight-bearing. The use of a circular external fixator for distal tarsometatarsal repair in long-legged birds may be a viable option when full return to function with minimal postoperative care is desired.

Background Hybrid external fixation (HEF) is an emerging technique for fracture stabilization in veterinary orthopedics, but its use has been reported in few papers in the veterinary literature. The linear and circular elements that form hybrid fixators can be connected in a very high number of combinations, and for this reason just referring to HEF without any classification is often misleading about the actual frame structure. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate fracture stabilization by HEF in 58 client-owned dogs and 8 cats, and to extend the already existing classification for hybrid constructs to include all frame configurations used in this study and potentially applicable in clinical settings. Animal signalment, fracture classification, surgical procedure and frame configuration were recorded. Complications, radiographic, functional and cosmetic results were evaluated at the time of fixator removal. Results Sixty-eight fractures in 58 dogs and eight cats were evaluated. Two dogs had bilateral fractures. Fifty-one percent were radio-ulna, 34% tibial, 9% humeral, 3% femoral and 3% scapular fractures. One ring combined with one or two linear elements was the most widely employed configuration in this case series. Radiographic results at the time of frame removal were excellent in 59% of the cases, good in 38% and fair in 3%, while functional and cosmetic results were excellent in 69% of the cases, good in 27% and fair in 4%. Conclusions HEF is a useful option for fracture treatment in dogs and cats, particularly for peri and juxta-articular fractures. It can be applied with a minimally invasive approach, allows adjustments during the postoperative period and is a versatile system because of the large variety of combinations that can fit with the specific fracture features. The classification used enables to determine the number of linear and circular elements used in the frame.