A new approach for tibiotarsal fractures in falcons with the FixEx tubulaire Type F.E.S.S.A system

Tibiotarsal fractures are very common fractures in birds. In 5 falcons which were presented at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital tibiotarsal fractures were diagnosed. A combined fixation, the so-called hybrid fixation or “tie-in” method with intramedullary pin and external skeletal fixators was used in all cases in the same way for the fracture repair. The FixEx tubulaire Type F.E.S.S.A. fixation bar system was tried to achieve an improved fracture healing and enable better weight bearing of the fractured legs. All falcons were able to stand on the operated leg within 30-60 minutes after surgery with full weight. The fractures showed callus formation within 7-14 days post operatively in the radiographic examination. The fractures healed uneventfully in 28 to 40 days. All falcons showed full function of the operated legs after surgery without any time delay. The advantage of the FixEx tubulaire Type F.E.S.S.A. system is the easy use, light weight, flexibility of the size and holes of the bars for the realignment of the bones, the possibility of partial pin removal or partial connection. The result of this study may suggest that this system is very well suitable for all different kinds of fracture repair in falcons and other birds as well as in other animals species like exotics or small animals.