Surgical treatment and 3D‐printed modelling of humeral intracondylar fissure and humeral condylar fracture in an Asiatic black bear ( Ursus Thibetanus )

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract An adult Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ) presented with a history of chronic intermittent bilateral forelimb lameness followed by an acute worsening lameness on the right forelimb. Based on radiography and computed tomography, bilateral incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle or humeral intracondylar fissure with a secondary right humeral condylar fracture were suspected. The condylar fracture of the right limb was stabilised with a transcondylar screw and a titanium locking plate. Surgical intervention yielded a satisfactory outcome. Moderate to severe radial nerve palsy was observed postoperatively on the right forelimb. The gait gradually returned to normal over 4 weeks when radiographic union was confirmed. This case report demonstrates the first known surgical treatment of this condition in a bear. Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle or humeral intracondylar fissure should be considered as differential diagnoses in bears presenting with bilateral or unilateral forelimb lameness.