Repair of a mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture in a boar

A simple, oblique fracture of the middle portion of the diaphysis of the right femur was successfully repaired in a 10-month-old 150-kg Berkshire boar, using a 4.5-mm 9-hole broad dynamic compression plate applied to the lateral surface of the bone. A lateral surgical approach provided excellent access to the fragment ends. Intravenous administration of atracurium besylate facilitated traction along the long axis of the bone and fracture reduction. The plate was luted with 5% gentamicin sulfate-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate. Lack of a third trochanter in the porcine species facilitated retraction of the superficial gluteal muscle and provided a smooth plating surface. Full breeding activity by the boar resumed 190 days after surgery without complications. Massive soft tissue in the area over the femur, extensive production of callus, and cautious behavior by the boar contributed to successful fracture repair, indicating that domestic swine may be good surgical candidates for femoral fracture repair.