Femoral fracture repair using a locking plate technique in an adult captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus).
OBJECTIVE
To report successful femoral fracture repair in a polar bear.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) 5 years and approximately 250 kg.


METHODS
A closed, complete, comminuted fracture of the distal midshaft femur was successfully reduced and stabilized using a compression plating technique with 2 specialized human femur plates offering axial, rotational, and bending support, and allowing the bone to share loads with the implant. Postoperative radiographs were obtained at 11.5 weeks, 11 months, and 24 months.


RESULTS
Bone healing characterized by marked periosteal reaction was evident at 11 months with extensive remodeling evident at 24 months. No complications were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Distal mid shaft femoral fracture was reduced, stabilized, and healed in an adult polar bear with a locking plate technique using 2 plates.


CONCLUSIONS
Previously, femoral fractures in polar bears were considered irreparable. Use of 2 plates applied with a locking plate technique can result in successful fracture repair despite large body weight and inability to restrict postoperative activity.
Zimmerman
Dawn M
DM
Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, Memphis, TN 38112, USA. dzimmerman@memphiszoo.org
Dew
Terry
T
Douglass
Michael
M
Perez
Edward
E
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001503:Ursidae / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*