Radiographic and histological evaluation of ulnar fracture healing in pigeon: Internal fixation with feather as an auto-graft

The purpose of this study was to find out the histological and radiographic assessment of healing of ulna fracture stabilized with feather shaft and compare with intramedullary pin. A total of 70 pigeons (Columba livia) randomly divided into two equal groups. After aseptically preparation of surgical site (left wing) and induction of anesthesia, a 3 cm longitudinal incision was made on the skin, the ulna bone was exposed gently and a segmental bone of 3 mm in length was removed in the middle of the ulnar diaphysis. The fracture in group I was repaired with an autoclaved feather shaft as an auto-graft and in group II stainless steel intramedullary pin used to treat fracture. Healing was evaluated with radiographs at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after surgery and for histological study at least 4 birds from each group were sacrificed at weeks 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 and bone sample transferred to a Histology Laboratory at Shahrekord University. Radiographic findings showed favorable bone healing progress in both groups. Results of histological evaluation revealed that at time 3 and 5 weeks, difference between two groups not significant, but in week 9 the feather group had better results than the pin group. Also comparison within groups demonstrated favorable bone healing in both groups. According to the results of the present study, feather shaft can be used as available and lightweight intramedullary fixator for avian fracture treatment.