The reduction of humeral fracture in pigeons with intramedullary poly (methyl methacrylate) and neutralization plate fixation.

Abstract

The reduction of experimental humeral fracture in pigeons was performed with intramedullary bone cement (poly (methyl methacrylate): PMMA) and neutralization plate fixation to investigate the effect on bone fracture healing and the recovery of flying ability. As a result, neither plate nor bone cement fixation held for more than 2 weeks, but not refracture was observed in any cases with both plate and bone cement. In the latter group, it was confirmed by flight tests that almost normal flying ability was recovered in 6 weeks. In pathological findings, blood supply to the fractured ends recovered within 2 weeks and no cortical bone necrosis was observed at the time except for a disturbance of endosteal callus formation. The process of fracture healing on the plate side took place slightly later than that on the non-plate side, and when much PMMA remained between the fractured ends of the cortical bone the bone formation became spongioid. In view of the quick recovery of flying ability, however, plate and bone cement fixation is considered appropriate to prevent the displacement of a humeral fracture in the pigeon.