Fixation of a scapular body fracture in a 5 month old foal using three 4.5/5.0 mm locking compression plates
Daisuke Miyakoshi1, Tohru Higuchi1, Hiroki Ikeda2
1Mitsuishi Animal Medical Center, NOSAI Minami, Shinhidaka, Japan.
Insights
Locking compression plates (LCPs) effectively repaired a young colt's displaced scapular fracture. The colt recovered fully, demonstrating LCPs as a viable option for equine scapular body fractures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary surgery
- Equine orthopedics
- Biomaterials in veterinary medicine
Background:
- Scapular body fractures in young horses present significant challenges.
- Internal fixation is a common treatment for unstable equine fractures.
- Locking compression plates (LCPs) offer enhanced stability for fracture repair.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old Thoroughbred colt sustained a comminuted, transverse scapular body fracture.
- The fracture was surgically repaired using three 4.5/5.0 mm LCPs and various screws.
- Implants were removed after two months.
Findings:
- A surgical site infection occurred three days post-operation but resolved within 15 days with lavage.
- The colt regained soundness three months after surgery and was turned out.
- One year post-surgery, the colt was sound and in training for flat racing.
Implications:
- LCP fixation is a successful surgical technique for scapular body fractures in young equids.
- This method allows for early return to soundness and athletic function.
- LCPs are a recommended option for treating scapular fractures in small equids.
Objective:
To report a surgical technique and an outcome for the repair of a displaced, transverse scapular body fracture with locking compression plates (LCPs) in a colt.
Animals:
One 5 month old Thoroughbred colt.
Study Design:
Case report.
Methods:
A colt sustained an unstable, comminuted, transverse fracture of the scapular body. Three 4.5/5.0 mm LCPs were used with 6.5 mm cancellous screws, 4.5 mm cortex screws, and 5.0 mm locking head screws. Implants were removed 2 months after surgery.
Results:
Surgical site infection was identified by purulent discharge at the distal aspect of the suture line 3 days after surgery. The surgical site infection resolved with daily lavage within 15 days after surgery. Three months after internal fixation of the scapular body fracture, the colt was sound and was turned out to pasture. One year later, the colt was sound and in training to be a flat racehorse.
Conclusion:
Repair of a scapular body fracture using LCP provided a good outcome with an early return to soundness. The LCP system can therefore be considered for the repair of scapular body fractures in small equids.
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