Comparison of fixation methods for treatment of long bone fractures in llamas and alpacas

To determine outcome after repair of long bone fractures in llamas and alpacas.

Case series.

Llamas (n=11) and alpacas (8).

Medical records (1998-2008) of camelids with long bone fractures were reviewed for history, repair method, and complications. Outcome was also assessed by owner telephone questionnaire.

Mean age at repair was 39 months. There were 8 males and 11 females. Fracture distribution was tibia (n=6), metatarsus (5), metacarpus (4), radius and ulna (2), humerus (1), and femur (1), with 13 closed and 6 open fractures. Fracture repair was by internal fixation (n=11), external fixation with a transfixation pin cast (5), external coaptation (2), and cross-pinning (1). In 1 llama, the limb was amputated to revise a failed external fixation repair. Seventeen animals (89%) were discharged, and 2 were euthanatized. Outcome was available for 13 animals: 9 were used for breeding and 4 as pets. Fewer major complications occurred with internal fixation than with external fixation with a transfixation pin cast (P<.005); however, there were no significant differences in minor complications between groups.

Internal fixation with bone plates was associated with fewer major complications than external fixation with a transfixation pin cast.