Repair of a Tibiotarsal Varus Malunion in a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) With a Type lA Hybrid External Skeletal Fixator

Abstract

Fracture malunion in a raptor can compromise muscle and tendon function and adversely affect normal activities that are essential for survival in the wild. Malunion can be acutely corrected by osteotomy techniques followed by bony fixation that provides sufficient stability to allow unimpeded healing with minimal soft-tissue injury. We describe an adult bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) that was presented after being found in poor body condition and unable to fly. Radiographs revealed a healing middiaphyseal fracture and a recent distal fracture of the right ulna and a right distal tibiotarsal varus malunion. The ulnar fractures healed without medical intervention; however, surgical correction of the malunion was required. An open-wedge corrective osteotomy was performed and a Type lA hybrid external skeletal fixator was used to stabilize the osteotomy. The osteotomy healed and the eagle was returned successfully to the wild.