Intramedullary pin fixation for a transverse diaphyseal fracture of the femur in a sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps).

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are increasingly popular as pets yet there is little published guidance on orthopaedic management of long bone fractures in this species. We report a case of transverse femoral fracture in a sugar glider successfully managed through intramedullary pinning. A 60-gram female intact sugar glider was diagnosed with a closed transverse diaphyseal femoral fracture. Open reduction and intramedullary pin fixation using a 0.8 mm pin was performed. Post-operative management emphasized environmental modification with a flat-walled enclosure to restrict movement and close monitoring. The pin was removed after 70 days with clinical union of the fracture and return of normal limb function. Although intramedullary pinning alone is considered insufficient to control rotational and shearing forces in small animal orthopaedics, this case suggests that such limitations may not fully apply in sugar gliders. Surgical decisions were influenced by species-specific anatomical and behavioural constraints, and housing modification functioned as an adjunct stabilizing strategy. This report highlights the need for further research into the biomechanics of small exotic mammals and subsequent case series of orthopaedic cases in sugar gliders.