USE OF A LINEAR-CIRCULAR HYBRID EXTERNAL SKELETAL FIXATOR FOR STABILIZATION OF A JUXTA-PHYSEAL PROXIMAL RADIAL FRACTURE IN A DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS)

摘要

This report documents the successful use of a hybrid linear-circular fixator for the stabilization of a closed, oblique, comminuted fracture of the proximal right radial diaphysis in a 3-mo-old female deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Under fluoroscopic guidance, a hybrid fixator was applied for fracture stabilization, with consideration given to the risk of inducing further fissuring of the proximal segment, attaining adequate fixation in the short juxta-physeal segment, and possibly disrupting physeal growth. Three divergent wires were used as ring fixation elements to secure the proximal fracture segment. Mild fissure propagation occurred during fixation pin placement. All subsequent fixation pins chosen were of a smaller diameter and were placed without further deterioration of the existing fissures. Although willing to ambulate upon recovery, the deer placed the dorsum of the hoof on the ground initially after surgery, which resolved by the sixth day. The hybrid fixator was well-tolerated and was removed 4 wk postoperatively. In addition, proximal radial physeal growth was not disrupted and both radii had similar lengths after fixator removal. Hybrid linear-circular external skeletal fixation was advantageous for stabilization of the juxta-physeal fracture in this deer; with appropriate application techniques and configuration, we believe that hybrid fixators can be used successfully in several wildlife species with maximum acceptance and minimal complications.