Volume 15, Issue 2: 2025 - Article 202

Abstract
Traumatic long bone fractures in avian species, particularly in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), pose significant clinical and surgical challenges due to their unique skeletal architecture, high metabolic rate and sensitivity to stress and handling. This case report details the successful surgical management of a Grade I open oblique fracture of the distal humerus in a 17-week-old domestic Bronze gobbler, following vehicular trauma. The bird presented with compound wing fracture, severe soft tissue laceration and exposed cortical bone, yet without evidence of neurovascular compromise – a critical prognostic factor. Following stabilization and thorough decontamination, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed using cerclage wire under locoregional anesthesia via a lignocaine circumferential ring block. Intra-operatively, anatomical alignment was achieved through manual reduction and stabilization with orthopaedic wire passed through pre-drilled transverse bone tunnels. Multi-layer wound closure and appropriate antimicrobial and analgesic therapy facilitated uneventful post-operative recovery. Progressive functional improvement was observed, with early weight-bearing by day 7 and radiographic evidence of callus formation by day 14. This report emphasizes the viability of ORIF with cerclage wire in repairing distal humeral fractures in turkeys, and highlights the importance of early intervention, preservation of neurovascular function and species-specific peri-operative considerations.

Keywords: Avian orthopedic surgery; Cerclage wiring; Humerus fracture; Open oblique fracture; Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF); Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).

How to cite this article:
Lawal JR, Yusuf ZB, Durkwa HU, Idris MA, Mshelia SH, Balami AG, Ibrahim UI, Geidam YA, Yakubu AS and Oladele OO (2025). Successful clinical management of a distal humerus oblique fracture in a 17-week-old gobbler: A case report. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 15(2): 1181 – 1194.

*Correspondence: E-mail:  rabana4real@unimaid.edu.ng      Phone: +2348032886428

Successful clinical management of a distal humerus oblique fracture in a 17-week-old gobbler: A case report
Jallailudeen R. Lawal ^{1, 7} *, Zainab B. Yusuf ^{2, 7}, Hussaini U. Durkwa^{3, 7}, Mohammed A. Idris ⁴, Saraya H. Mshelia ⁴, Arhyel G. Balami ^{1, 7}, Umar I. Ibrahim ^{1, 7}, Yaqub A. Geidam ^{1, 7}, Abubakar S. Yakubu^{5, 7} and Oludotun O. Oladele <sup>6, 7

1</sup> Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
² Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiography, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
³ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, P.M.B. 2084, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
⁴ Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
⁵ Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria.
⁶ Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
⁷ Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria.

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