Successful Repair of a Femoral Distal Epiphysis Comminuted Fracture in a Rabbit

Abstract

Rabbits suffer broken bones more easily than other mammals such as cats because of their lower bone density. Generally, an intra-articular or comminuted fracture in rabbits is very difficult to repair. These facts make it difficult to determine which implant to choose, although their lower bone density does not cause slower bone healing. In this report, we applied external fixation using intramedullary pins and a kirschner wire to a femoral distal epiphysis comminuted fracture accompanying an intra-articular fracture in a rabbit. We succeeded in achieving good bone healing and complete functional recovery. A kirschner wire was especially helpful in repairing the intra-articular fracture in this case.