title: CIRCULAR EXTERNAL FIXATOR PLACEMENT FOR REPAIR OF AN OPEN DISTAL TARSOMETATARSAL FRACTURE IN AN AFRICAN SACRED IBIS (THRESKIORNIS AETHIOPICUS).
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: Matthew E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kinney
authors.forename: Mary Jean
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Gorse
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D001717:Birds / Q000293:injuries*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000662:veterinary*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male
keywords: African sacred ibis; Threskiornis aethiopicus; circular external fixator; fracture; tarsometatarsus