Fixation of a complete scapular neck fracture in a foal using two 3.5 mm locking compression plates

Abstract

Summary This report describes the successful surgical repair of a transverse, displaced scapula fracture in a foal. A 3.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP) was used on either side of the spine of the scapula. The suprascapular nerve was apparent upon dissection as it passed directly over the fracture line and care was taken to leave it intact, although the fracture line itself caused some irritation. The foal recovered without long‐term nerve damage and is sound at 1.5 years post surgery.

Fractures of the scapula

“…; Kamm et al . ). All repairs were performed with DCPs except the latest publication, where the use of LCPs was described.…”

“…The importance of axial compression across the fracture plane has been discussed by Kamm et al . (). As mentioned previously, axial compression is a minor issue with locking implants and even less in the scapula as this bone is not axially loaded.…”

“…A similar scenario can be seen in the case described by Kamm et al . (). On the caudocranial radiographic view a clear bend in the healed bone is recognisable, associated with smooth new bone formation along the medial aspect of the previous fracture site, according to Wolff's law.…”

“…; Kamm et al . ). The vast majority of articles report supraglenoid tubercle fractures (Leitch ; Wagner et al .…”

“…In the most recent case reported (Kamm et al . ), the authors selected 3.5 mm LCPs for the successful repair of a transverse scapular neck fracture in a young foal. These implants are definitely the implants of choice at the present time.…”