Extracapsular Fixation of Humeral Fracture Using Epoxy Putty in a Red-crowned Crane

Abstract

A 29-year-old red-crowned crane at the Kanazawa Zoo developed drooping of the right wing. Right humerus revealed a closed fracture of the proximal 1/5th. Therefore, we performed reconstructive surgery using a tie-in technique that involved placement of intramedullary pins concomitant with external fixation. Commercially available epoxy putty was used for external fixation. This putty/fixator device was removed under anesthesia on the 35th day of hospitalization. We observed good ossification at the fracture site. This is the first report that describes the tie-in method using epoxy putty for treatment of humeral fractures in cranes.