Elbow Arthrodesis in a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Abstract

An adult female bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) of unknown age sustained a fractured right humerus and following surgical repair was deemed nonreleasable because of an inability to sustain flight accompanied by a severe wing droop. After relocation to a public aviary for display, the bird repeatedly caused self-inflicted wounds from standing on the malpositioned wing. Owing to the inability to hold the elbow in flexion, the bird would step on the distal aspect of the right wing with the talons causing deep penetrating wounds. Physical examination of the affected wing revealed no cause for the wing droop. Radiographic images revealed a healed fracture of the right humerus with significant remodeling of the bone around the injury. No other lesions were noted. Attempted arthrodesis of the elbow using cross pins and type I external fixators to immobilize the joint failed. The procedure was repeated with modifications of lag screws to fix the elbow and immobilization of the joint with intramedullary pins, which provided successful arthrodesis. The surgical intervention allowed the bird to avoid amputation, and after 5 years there has been no further incident of self-inflicted wing injury.