Avian orthopaedic surgery part 2: assessment, options, conservative management

Abstract

In order to establish a treatment plan, an initial assessment is required. Following the physical examination, radiography is carried out; orthogonal views are recommended. There are two main clinical scenarios when dealing with avian fractures: high impact fractures, generally observed in wild birds, are more likely to be comminuted, displaced and/or open; low impact stationary fractures, more commonly observed in aviary birds, are generally closed simple fractures. Once the type and location of fracture has been confirmed, the different treatment options can be considered. Cage rest and external coaptation are suitable treatment options in certain scenarios. Some techniques used differ from those applied to mammals, with ‘exclusive’ avian methods such as the Altmann's tape splint, the figure-of-eight bandage and the body wrap. Other techniques have been extrapolated from those used for the treatment of fractures in mammals.