title: Femoral fracture repair using a locking plate technique in an adult captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus).
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Memphis Zoo and Aquarium, Memphis, TN 38112, USA. dzimmerman@memphiszoo.org
authors.forename: Dawn M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dew
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Douglass
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: 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*