Distraction Osteogenesis in Two Wild Raptors

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Avian Medicine

Background:

• Tibiotarsal fractures are common in wild raptors.
• Limb shortening can result from fracture repair, impacting mobility and survival.
• Rehabilitated raptors require full physical recovery for successful release.

Observation:

• Two raptor cases presented with tibiotarsal fractures: a peregrine falcon with an open fracture and a great horned owl with a partially healed fracture.
• Initial treatment with external skeletal fixator intramedullary pin tie-in (ESF-IM pin tie-in) in the falcon led to healing but significant limb shortening.
• The owl's advanced fracture stage precluded ESF-IM pin tie-in, with existing limb shortening.

Findings:

• Both raptors were treated with a circular external skeletal fixator (CESF) and distraction osteogenesis to correct limb length discrepancies.
• The orthopedic technique effectively restored pelvic limb length in both cases.
• Both birds achieved full recovery and were released back into the wild.

Implications:

• Distraction osteogenesis is a valuable orthopedic technique for correcting limb shortening in wild raptors.
• Addressing limb length discrepancies is crucial for preventing secondary complications like pododermatitis.
• Successful orthopedic repair enhances the long-term survival and reproductive potential of rehabilitated raptors.