Type II Resin-acrylic External Skeletal Fixation in the Repair of Proximal Radial and Ulnar Fracture in a Llama (Lama glama)

Özet

This report describes the use of external skeletal fixation usingacrylic connecting bars to repair a complex fracture in a llama.A 10-month-old male llama (Lama glama), weighing around45 kg, was referred for the study owing to the presence of afracture. Plain radiographs showed long oblique fracture ofthe proximal third of the radius with the presence of a fissureand multifragmentary fracture between proximal and middlethird of the ulna. A Type II resin-acrylic external skeletal fixatorwas then applied. Two months after surgery, radiographsshowed bridging of the fracture site by callus and partialobliteration of the fracture line, and the external fixator wasremoved. At the last follow-up, 9 years after surgery, the llamawas able to bear full weight on the left limb during walkingand trotting, with no signs of lameness. The incorporation oftransfixion pin in acrylic sidebars rather than in a cast can beused as another option to treat fractures in llamas.