Evaluation of a maxillofacial miniplate compact 1.0 for stabilization of the ulna in experimentally induced ulnar and radial fractures in pigeons (Columba livia)

Abstract

Bone healing of the ulna after osteotomy and fixation with a maxillofacial miniplate (Compact 1.0) was studied in feral pigeons (Columba livia). The ulna and radius were transected with an oscillating bone saw to produce a diaphyseal fracture. Two different procedures for fixation were compared. In procedure 1 (n = 6), the ulna was stabilized with a 6-hole maxillofacial miniplate. In procedure 2 (n = 4), the ulna was stabilized with the plate, and the radius was stabilized with an intramedullary 1.0 Kirschner wire. Plate distortion and bending occurred in all 6 birds with fractures that were immobilized with the plate only, and 1 plate failure was noted with subsequent synostosis. When both bones were immobilized, 2 cases of minimal plate deformation and 1 case of cortical fragment displacement occurred. Callus formation was significantly less pronounced after procedure 2 as compared with procedure 1; however, primary bone healing was not achieved with either procedure. From these results we conclude that dorsal single plating of the ulna with a 6-hole maxillofacial miniplate in experimentally induced ulnar and radial fractures in pigeons does not result in adequate stabilization