SUCCESSFUL REPAIR OF ANTEBRACHIAL FRACTURES WITH EXTERNAL SKELETAL FIXATION IN THREE MACROPODS.

ABSTRACT

Three captive macropods comprising three different species sustained unilateral antebrachial fractures. All fractures were assumed to be trauma related, although the specific circumstances surrounding each case was unknown. Each fracture was surgically repaired with type Ia (unilateral, monoplanar) external skeletal fixators, which were all removed approximately 3 mo postoperatively. Although each animal experienced at least one complication, all animals showed adequate bridging and remodeling at the fracture sites and had good-to-excellent return to normal function after fixator removal. This case series is the first to describe the successful repair of antebrachial fractures using external skeletal fixation in captive macropods and details some of the complications that can occur with postoperative management of captive animals.