Humeral fracture treatment in pigeons by bone pins made from ovine and canine bones

The tubular, pneumatic long bones of the bird present unique challenges in veterinary orthopedics. Various traditional and innovative forms of fracture fixation have been applied in bird orthopedic. The purpose of this study was to compare the applicability of the stainless steel intra-medullary pin with the pins made from ovine and canine long bones. Ovine and canine long bones were used to prepare pins in appropriate size and dimension. The pins were treated chemically, hydrated, dried, packaged and sterilized by ethylene oxide. Forty domestic male pigeons were divided into four equal groups. Pigeons were anesthetized by combination of xylazine and ketamine. Humeral bones were cut by a diamond disc burr. In the first group the fractured bones were not treated and was regarded as control group. In the second group stainless steel pins were inserted into the humeral medulla of pigeons; and in the third and fourth groups, prepared pins from ovine and canine long bones were inserted into the medulla, respectively. The operated wing was bandaged to the body and stabilized. Post-operative care included: clinical assessment of surgical wound, wing holding and flight assessment. The flight behavioral assessment and radiographic studies were carried out every two weeks for 32 weeks. After 32 weeks the pigeons of the first group were not able to fly, in the second group pigeons had imbalance in flight; and in the third and fourth groups the pigeons were able to fly with no problem. Radiographic study showed no significant differences between groups 2, 3 and 4 but there was a significant difference between group 1 and other three groups. None of the bone pins were rejected; all were absorbed in later stages in large quantities. The IM pins made from long bones of sheep and dog pins can be considered as an appropriate and alternative internal fixation technique, because they are very firm, strong, provide very good internal fixation for bone alignment, showing no tissue sensitivity, no rejection and therefore not necessity to be removed. While the stainless steel IM pin creates imbalance in flight and they have to be removed after bone union is completed, which needs another surgical intervention and stress.