Fibular and metatarsal osteosynthesis in a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans)

Abstract

Here we describe a successful surgical management of a distal fibular fracture combined with a tarsocrural luxation and multiple metatarsal fractures in the left foot of a southern brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans). We achieved satisfactory outcome by applying intramedullary pinning for each of the bone fractures and closed reduction of joint luxation—kept in place only by bone alignment, without further ligament reconstruction. Bone healing occurred uneventfully within eight weeks and the monkey's foot regained its normal function. Therefore, we could properly release the patient back into the wild.

Radiographically guided femoral neck osteosynthesis with cannulated compressive titanium screw and anti‐rotational component in a Brown Howler Monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans)

“…It was decided to remove the KW after bone consolidation, as this implant presents a greater risk of migration compared to the screw, 9 as the patient was a free‐living animal, aiming to avoid future complications after its release 10 . For the same reason, and because the monkey showed good clinical evolution, it was chosen not to perform joint mobility tests periodically, as this could affect the natural behavior.…”

“…Reports of surgical orthopedics treatment in non‐human primates are uncommon, and little is known about the techniques used and the time required for bone consolidation in these species. However, some authors report cases of successful osteosynthesis in non‐human primates 10–12 …”

“…However, some authors report cases of successful osteosynthesis in nonhuman primates. [10][11][12] Conservative treatment for FHN fractures is associated with poor functional outcome, and surgical treatment is recommended. 6 Femoral head and neck ostectomy showed favorable evolution in non-human primates for the treatment of osteoarthritis, 7,8 but it may be associated with limb instability and longer postoperative recovery time in small animals.…”