title: Type 1B external fixation of a metacarpal fracture in an alpaca.
abstract: External skeletal fixation can be used in small ruminants as a successful, economic, alternative to internal fixation. In this case report, a type 1B frame was used on an alpaca to salvage a comminuted metacarpal fracture after failed internal fixation. Positioning the frame on the caudal aspect of the limb allowed full carpal flexion for kneeling and hence normal use of the limb throughout the recovery period. Complete healing occurred without further complications.
authors.affiliation: Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Staudte
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000662:veterinary*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography