Metal Bridges – A New Technique of Turtle Shell Repair

Traditionally turtle shell fractures have been stabilized with fiberglass patches, wires, or orthopedic plates and screws. However, some complex fractures are difficult to stabilize with these methods. An alternate method of shell repair uses metal strips applied as external ficators to bridge frature sites. Once epoxied to the shell, these bridges can stabilize fractures of the carapace, bridge and plastron. Metal bridges are noninvasive, simple to apply and allow continued observation and treatment of the injured area.