Comparative Radiographic and Neurological Evaluation of Fixation Techniques in Tibiotarsal Fractures in Birds John Jinu1,*, Narayanan M.K., Devanand C.B., Anoop S., Ashok N.2 Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Thrissur - 650651 (Kerala) 1Present address: Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Dispensary, Pandallur, Malappuram, Kerala 2Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Thrissur - 650651 (Kerala) *Corresponding author, E-mail: jinu88@gmail.com
Online Published on 16 September, 2024. Abstract The study was conducted on a total of twelve birds with tibiotarsus fractures. All birds were subjected to detailed clinical, radiological and neurological tests to arrive at final diagnosis and to suggest appropriate treatment plan. Six birds were immobilized with external skeletal fixator -intramedullary pin tie-in fixator (TIF) and other six birds with type I external skeletal fixation (ESF). In all cases, epoxy connecting bar was used to replace conventional stainless steel. The anesthetic regimen followed was Ketamine hydrochloride intra-peritoneally and Diazepam intramuscularly. The anesthesia was maintained by intramuscular administration of 1:2 (v/v) Ketamine hydrochloride and Diazepam cocktail. Passive range of motion exercises and stretching exercises were started in all birds under study, five days post-operatively in case of birds immobilized by ESF-IM, TIF and 10 days post-operatively in case of birds immobilized by type I ESF to prevent joint ankylosis, muscle atrophy and aid in early weight bearing. In birds managed by ESF-IM and TIF showed early radiographic healing as compared to birds managed by type I ESF, particularly with regard to axial alignment of fracture fragments. Neurological evaluation by toe-pinch reflex revealed positive response from 5th post-operative day in all cases. Top Keywords Avian, Fixation, Fracture, Orthopaedic, Surgery. Top |