Safety pin tie-in external skeletal fixator in 2 juvenile small mammals

Two juvenile small mammals, 1 ferret (Mustela putorius furo) and 1 rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), were diagnosed respectively with a humeral and a femoral fracture. A safety pin tie-in, a type I stainless steel fixator without proximal transfixation pin, was used to stabilize the fracture in each individual. Changes to clinical examination findings, including lameness and bone callus palpation, as well as radiographic images, were followed. Complete osteosynthesis and implant removal were achieved in both cases after 4 wk. Both cases were reexamined 12 mo after surgery and both had recovered normal locomotor function. Key clinical message: Safety pin tie-in appears to be a promising option for humeral and femoral fractures in growing small mammals. Despite the absence of a proximal transfixing pin, this intervention provided satisfying biomechanical stability to accomplish biological osteosynthesis and bone healing.