Comparison of Holding Power of Three Different Pin Designs for External Skeletal Fixation in Avian Bone: A Study in Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

(1) To evaluate resistance to axial extraction of 3 pin designs in avian humerus and tibiotarsus; (2) to assess the effect of pin location within the bone on holding power; and (3) to assess the influence of thread pitch on holding power. Resistance of pins to axial extraction was measured immediately after insertion. Adult common buzzards (Buteo buteo; n=9). Different pin designs (1 smooth; 2 threaded pins, differing in pitch) were inserted into the proximal and distal metaphysis and the proximal, middle, and distal diaphysis of the humerus and tibiotarsus. Maximum force required for axial extraction of pins was recorded. Smooth pins had the lowest extraction force (P