Intertarsal Joint Stabilization in a Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) Using a Novel Application of a Braided Suture and Titanium Button System

Abstract

A 32-year-old adult captive male bateleur eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) with a history of laxity, degenerative joint disease, and varus deviation of the distal left hindlimb for several years was presented for evaluation of left hindlimb lameness and was diagnosed with chronic subluxation of the left intertarsal joint. After failing to improve with conservative management and pain medication, surgical stabilization of the joint was performed using a novel application of a braided suture and titanium button system. Unsatisfactory clinical improvement and postsurgical reevaluation indicated that the initial surgical stabilization was unsuccessful. The surgery was repeated, and the animal showed postsurgical improvement in intertarsal joint stability, weight-bearing, and lameness for a period of several years with use and adjustment of chronic pain medications. The novel surgical technique described in this case report represents an additional treatment option for management of avian intertarsal joint subluxations. Presurgical planning should consider the unique anatomic features and variability of the avian tarsometatarsus to avoid surgical complications.

Retrospective Study of Intertarsal Joint Inflammation in Avian Species From a Zoological Institution

“…Little information on tibial cartilage inflammation exists, and most reports concern developmental damage or luxation. [6][7][8] Inflammation of the tibial cartilage was reported in more than one-third of affected birds and mostly consisted of swelling and warmth in acute cases and with or without fibrosis of the cartilage in chronic cases. Damage of the tibial cartilage resulted in a longer follow-up duration than in cases without tibial cartilage inflammation, but the difference was not significant.…”

“…Although this condition is frequently encountered by the authors, only limited information on the condition is available in the scientific literature, 4,5 and it is primarily focused on acute trauma and orthopedic management of this joint. 1,6,7 The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intertarsal inflammatory conditions in 1 institution over a 5-year period, identify associated risk factors and prognostic indicators, evaluate outcome, and review implemented treatments. Our hypotheses were that 1) long-legged birds would be more affected 5 because of their straight standing angle and the torque applied to the intertarsal joint given the length of the bones, 2) participation in a bird show would be a significant risk factor because of the increased physical activity and repeated trauma experienced during landing, and 3) young animals would be more affected because of their less developed musculoskeletal structures.…”

“…Although this condition is frequently encountered by the authors, only limited information on the condition is available in the scientific literature, 4,5 and it is primarily focused on acute trauma and orthopedic management of this joint. 1,6,7…”