Open reduction and internal fixation of a comminuted femoral fracture with plate–rod technique in a wedge-capped capuchin (Cebus olivaceous)

A 3-year-old intact male wedge-capped capuchin ( Cebus olivaceous ) was diagnosed with a complete fracture of the left femur. Radiographs confirmed a closed, complete, comminuted fracture of the distal one third of the left femur with caudolateral displacement. External co-aptation and intramedullary pinning techniques were considered inadequate owing to the possibility of implant failure or the development of fracture disease. A biological fixation of the fracture was accomplished using a 2 mm veterinary cuttable plate and a 2 mm Kirschner wire. Following apposition and alignment of the fracture, the pin was placed normograde and the plate was applied as a bridging plate. Owner compliance was critical to prevent patient self-mutilation. The intramedullary pin, plate and screws were not removed. Postoperative wound healing was uneventful. Progressive secondary bone healing was noticed on serial radiographic study carried out on the 12th, 35th and 63rd postoperative days. Full weight bearing was evident by the 35th postoperative day.