Use of a type-III trilateral external skeletal fixation device in three deer with comminuted fractures.

A type-III trilateral external skeletal fixation device was used to repair comminuted fractures of metacarpal and tibial bones in 3 deer. Mean weight of the deer was 25 kg, and mean age was 4 months. Mean interval from application until removal of the device was 6.5 weeks. All deer had complete function of their previously fractured limbs and had minimal complications during healing. Several factors should be considered when choosing a method of repair for wildlife with fractured limbs. Economic constraints and demeanor of the animal may limit the number of options. Analysis of results of our findings indicated that type-III trilateral external skeletal fixation devices can be used for the repair of comminuted fractures in young deer.