Uso de cerclajes y férulas en 3D con PLA como tratamiento ortopédico de fracturas tibiotarsales en aves

Abstract

In veterinary orthopedic therapies in poultry, implants and specific tools are employed that have caused limitations that are not always effective for the treatment of fractures since it depends on the adequate restraint of the affected limb. As a whole, this can cause a delay in the resolution of a fracture and infections. This study designed a 3D splint that can be applied in birds combined with the use of intraoperative locks for the reduction of complete transverse oblique fractures in the tibiotarsal bone as an effective alternative to conventional orthopedic treatment. The study population consisted of 6 Creole hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) with an average weight of 1.5±0.2kg and 12 months of age. Three phases were necessary for the execution of the study, including anesthesia, surgery, and post-surgery. The surgical procedure consisted of a complete oblique transversal cut of the tibiotarsal bone, then the 3D printed splints were placed, and finally, the control was conducted through radiographic plates over some time to determine the development of healing. The results showed that after 50 days, 67% of the patients had recovered, this same percentage being representative of the population that presented marked sequelae, changes in the morphology of the operated limb, bone callus, calcification of the fractured area. All patients presented fracture complications and the development of fibrosis. Finally, the completion of this study contributes to the improvement of avian orthopedic treatments. Keywords: 3D splints, creole hens, tibiotarsal fracture, orthopedic treatment, healing