Coracoid fractures in wild birds: repair and outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical repair of the fractured avian coracoid and compare release rates back to the wild for birds treated surgically with those treated conservatively. DESIGN: Medical records of 17 birds presented to Healesville Sanctuary with fractured coracoids were examined retrospectively. Nine birds were treated conservatively and eight birds were treated surgically. Release rates back to the wild were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the nine birds treated conservatively two were released back to the wild. Of the eight birds treated surgically six were released back to the wild. CONCLUSIONS: In this study greater success at returning birds with fractured coracoids to the wild was achieved with surgical repair than conservative treatment. Surgical repair is recommended for birds intended to be released back into the wild.