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Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Sayı: 2026 3 Ekim 2026
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Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Öz

Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are among the most frequently kept companion bird species worldwide. Due to their small size, fragile skeletal structures, and susceptibility to environmental stress factors, trauma-induced long bone fractures, particularly of the tibiotarsus, are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although surgical intervention provides rigid biomechanical stability, it presents risks such as anaesthetic complications and iatrogenic bone damage for patients weighing under 300 grams. Conventional splints may fall short in providing precise anatomical angulation and necessary structural rigidity. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to develop and clinically evaluate a custom three-dimensional (3D) printed splint designed for the treatment of tibiotarsal fractures in budgerigars. The study included nine adult budgerigars with trauma-induced tibiotarsal fractures. Utilizing radiographic measurements obtained from each patient's healthy (contralateral) leg as a reference at the time of clinical presentation, patient-specific 3D splints were rapidly designed and printed. To prevent skin damage, the splints were secured using a non-adhesive contact layer. The duration of splint application was recorded, and patients were scheduled for a follow-up examination one week after splint removal. Most fractures were mid-diaphyseal (77.7%) and transverse (44.4%). The mean splint application duration was recorded as 10 days. Successful healing without significant lameness was achieved in 77.7% (7/9) of the cases, whereas two birds died due to complications involving edema and open fracture progression. In conclusion, 3D-printed splints can be considered a well-tolerated alternative to traditional bandaging methods for budgerigar tibiotarsal fractures, providing adequate rigidity and correct anatomical alignment at the fracture site.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Budgerigar, tibiotarsus, fracture, 3D, splint

Destekleyen Kurum

This study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) under the 2209-A Undergraduate Research Projects Support Program, Ondokuz Mayıs University

Proje Numarası

1919B012214296

Etik Beyan

All procedures were approved by the Ondokuz Mayıs University Animal Experiments and Local Ethics Committee (Ref. No: 2023/42).

Teşekkür

This study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) under the 2209-A Undergraduate Research Projects Support Program.

Kaynakça

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Kaynak Göster

APA
Özcan, M. S., Yiğit, T., & İnal, K. S. (2026). Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, 2026. https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.2024672
AMA
1.Özcan MS, Yiğit T, İnal KS. Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 2026;(2026). doi:10.35229/jaes.2024672
Chicago
Özcan, Merve Sena, Tuğçe Yiğit, ve Kamil Serdar İnal. 2026. “Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)”. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, sy 2026. https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.2024672.
EndNote
Özcan MS, Yiğit T, İnal KS (01 Ekim 2026) Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 2026
IEEE
[1]M. S. Özcan, T. Yiğit, ve K. S. İnal, “Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)”, Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, sy 2026, Eki. 2026, doi: 10.35229/jaes.2024672.
ISNAD
Özcan, Merve Sena - Yiğit, Tuğçe - İnal, Kamil Serdar. “Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)”. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 2026 (01 Ekim 2026). https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.2024672.
JAMA
1.Özcan MS, Yiğit T, İnal KS. Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 2026. doi:10.35229/jaes.2024672.
MLA
Özcan, Merve Sena, vd. “Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)”. Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences, sy 2026, Ekim 2026, doi:10.35229/jaes.2024672.
Vancouver
1.Merve Sena Özcan, Tuğçe Yiğit, Kamil Serdar İnal. Design and Clinical Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Splint for the Treatment of Tibiotarsal Fractures in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences. 01 Ekim 2026;(2026). doi:10.35229/jaes.2024672