Radius and ulna osteosynthesis in a Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)

Abstract

A wild Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis) of unknown history, was seen at the veterinary hospital. The patient presented with a dropped right wing and soft tissue damage that appeared to be a recent wound involving the right radius and ulna region, characterizing an open fracture grade II. The radiological findings were a comminuted complete fracture of the ulnar diaphysis and complete transverse fracture of the radial diaphysis. Stabilization of the radius fracture was performed with a 1.5mm miniplate with 6 holes, with 2 proximal screws and 2 distal screws, and ulna osteosynthesis with a 2.0mm locking plate with 12 holes, with 3 proximal screws and 2 distal screws. At 180 postoperative days, the implants were removed and the patient was discharged. The use of locking plate for the treatment of open fractures in ulna of Savanna Hawks may provide adequate healing and return to limb function being able to fly.