Intertarsal Joint Stabilization in a Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) Using a Novel Application of a Braided Suture and Titanium Button System

Figure 3

Illustration of the dorsal (anterior) aspect of the left intertarsal joint depicting novel application of a braided suture and titanium button system for surgical stabilization of left intertarsal joint instability in an adult male bateleur eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus). The braided suture was passed from the lateral aspect of the intertarsal joint through two intraosseous tunnels created at the distal tibiotarsus and proximal tarsometatarsus. Each end of the suture was threaded through both holes of a 2-hole titanium button and passed back through each respective intraosseous tunnel. The suture was then tightened to an appropriate tension and secured using a surgeon’s knot.