Novel use of IV cannula stylet for tibiotarsal fracture repair in a cockatiel

Abstract

A two-year-old Lutino Cockatiel was presented with non-weight bearing lameness of the left leg following accidental entrapment in its cage. Radiography revealed a complete, simple, short oblique fracture of the left tibiotarsus. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane via chamber and maintained by mask. Surgical stabilization was achieved through a normograde intramedullary pinning technique using a 22G stainless steel intravenous cannula stylet. The fracture was reduced manually without opening the site. The pin was inserted between the cranial and medial tibiotarsal tuberosities and advanced to the distal metaphysis. The animal recovered uneventfully.