Common Pathology Associated with the Digits and Metacarpal Region.

Fractures and ligamentous injuries of the front paw are common in small animals and usually result from direct trauma, such as vehicular accident, collision with a stationary object, falls from a height, or entrapment of the paw with leverage (eg, stepping in a hole while running). Metacarpal and phalangeal fractures may be associated with concurrent ligamentous injury. Tendon and paw injuries are generally associated with direct traumatic etiologies, such as laceration. Treatment of digit injuries follows the principles of surgery associated with similar injuries at other anatomic locations. External coaptation may be necessary to protect undersized implants.

A simple technique to repair a hand fracture in a captive Siamang.

A 5-year-old female Siamang (Hylobates syndactilus) in captivity sustained a displaced closed fracture of the proximal phalanx of the middle digit, resulting in finger deformity and hand functional disability. Anatomical reduction and stabilization of the fracture were obtained surgically using two multifilament wire sutures. The primate had a successful functional recovery.