Key Ring Fixator: A Novel External Fixation Technique for Avian Long Bone Stabilization.

A 12-year-old blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) of unknown sex (case 1) and a 14-year-old female hybrid Catalina macaw (Ara ararauna × Ara macao) (case 2) were evaluated and treated for an open tarsometatarsal fracture and a tibiotarsal fracture, respectively. In case 1, 1 month of external coaptation resulted in a delayed union, significant osteolysis, and presumptive osteomyelitis, which led to the decision to treat with a key ring fixator. In case 2, a key ring fixator was chosen for fracture repair because of presumed resistance to destruction by the bird. In both cases, fractures were stabilized with makeshift circular external fixators composed of key rings, K-wires, orthopedic wire, and acrylic resin. After key ring fixator removal, radiographs confirmed complete bone healing. Both patients had acceptable function of the affected limbs 5 years (case 1) and 2 years (case 2) after their procedures. The key ring fixator described in this report is a viable option for fracture repair in pelvic limbs of moderately sized birds (300-1500 g).

Complications associated with conjoined intramedullary pin placement for femorotibial joint luxation in a Solomon Island eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis).

Femorotibial joint-luxation repair with conjoined intramedullary pins has been successfully used in pediatric psittacine birds. However, there are no reports of complications associated with its use in adults. In this report, we describe the clinical presentation, surgical reduction, and postoperative complications associated with stifle-luxation repair in an adult female Solomon Island eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis). The normal perching angle for the eclectus stifle was determined before surgery. Osteomyelitis was treated systemically and locally. Midfemoral amputation was performed as a salvage procedure, without an apparent reduction in the quality of the bird's life.

Excision arthroplasty for management of coxofemoral luxation in pet birds.

Coxofemoral luxation, although not a common injury, can cause considerable pelvic limb dysfunction in pet birds. Luxation usually is craniodorsal, as it is in dogs. Previously recommended treatments have not always been effective in managing the injury. Sequelae can include dorsolateral deviation of the pelvic limb, with loss of function and bumblefoot in the nonluxated limb, owing to abnormal weight-bearing. Excision arthroplasty combined with a muscular sling constructed from a segment of the iliofibularis muscle was used to treat coxofemoral luxation in a hyacinth macaw, a moluccan cockatoo, and an African gray parrot. The outcome was excellent in 2 of the 3 birds.