Avian Surgical Anatomy: Thoracic and Pelvic Limbs by Orosz, Ensley, and Haynes was published in 1992 and has become a standard reference for avian orthopedic surgeons. Although the basis of work has been lost, the need for accurate avian anatomy has not changed. The purpose of this article is to restore the musculoskeletal system of the original research and expand its scope to include the management of long-term bone diseases in birds, mostly raptors. The technique described has been developed, refined and proven for more than 20 years by clinicians at the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. It also provides surgeons and doctors with additional information, including details on the vascular anatomy of the limb.
The class Aves includes thousands of species with a wide variety of anatomical variations. Although it is not true to represent all species, we have included in this book a selection of animals from the medical field, such as birds, chickens, pigeons, parrots and birds of prey that the we often encounter in private practice. Details of limb vascular anatomy obtained from high-resolution digital computed tomography imaging of limb skeletons of different avian species. These images provide a unique contrast that doctors may find useful when performing surgical procedures.
This new information is designed to help the reader better understand bone and vascular anatomy and improve interpretation, teaching, treatment, and education of findings. This new information is intended to help readers better understand the relationship between musculoskeletal and vascular anatomy and to help surgeons preserve the vasculature during difficult orthopedic procedures. We hope this will support the interpretation of orthopedic problems in birds, reporting of results, development of treatment methods, and study of management procedures. Since the first publication, many advances have been made and published in avian orthopedics. In this article you will find a comprehensive discussion of orthopedic conditions, best treatments, and treatment representative of current practice. The title of the book has been changed to reflect this information.
As knowledge of avian anatomy, health and disease increases, it also becomes necessary to develop resources to share this important information. At the same time, the information contained in this document must be supplemented and updated. The authors humbly submit this study to the veterinary and scientific community for review and investigation. We hope this will contribute to the development of the birds.