• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.644-646
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• 2009

A 5-year-old intact male black gibbon (Hylobates concolor) was referred for evaluation of the right pelvic limb lameness following a fight against other black gibbons. Fractures of the right tibia and fibula were suspected on physical examination and palpation of the right pelvic limb, but no other injuries or abnormalities were detected. While the black gibbon was sedated, pelvic limb radiographs were taken, which revealed diaphyseal oblique fractures of the right tibia and fibula. Open reduction of the fractures was performed. The tibial fracture was repaired by use of an internal fixation technique that included a tubular dynamic compression plate and cortical screws secured along the craniomedial aspect of the tibia. There were no complications during the postoperative rehabilitation period. At 9 weeks, radiographs revealed that bridging callus was well formed over the cortices of the tibial and fibular fracture area. The cast was removed 9 weeks after surgery. The black gibbon exhibited no evidence of lameness and was released back into the group. Presently, there are no published reports of internal fracture fixation in a black gibbon where a tubular dynamic compression plate and cortical screws provided excellent stabilization of the tibia and complete fracture healing allowing normal ambulation.