Scapulohumeral joint luxation in alpacas: 10 cases (2003–2009)

Abstract

SHJL should be considered as a differential diagnosis in alpacas with thoracic limb lameness. Luxation may occur more frequently in males. A closed reduction technique may be used successfully to treat acute luxations. Extracapsular stabilization by use of the lateral extracapsular tension band suture technique was successful for treatment of recurrent SHJL and SHJL that could not be reduced via closed reduction.

Surgical stabilization of shoulder luxation in a pot-bellied pig

“…4,5,7,10 In the patient described in the present report, closed reduction of the luxated shoulder joint was unsuccessful, whereas open reduction and application of 2 lateral tension sutures over the shoulder joint provided adequate stability. Closed reduction of acute simple shoulder luxations is associated with a good prognosis in alpacas 10 ; however, it was unsuccessful in more chronic cases and other species. 4,6,12 Recurrence of luxation after successful closed reduction does not seem common in horses, ponies, and female alpacas on the basis of a few studies, 3,10,13 but is apparently more common in small animals and other large animal species.…”

“…1,2,10 Two tension sutures were used in the pig of the present report for increased rotational stability 1,10 ; however, a single tension suture has been used in goats. 2 We did not observe any damage to the infraspinatus tendon or the joint capsule as commonly found in other large animal species.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Management of shoulder luxations in these species has been performed by closed reduction and stabilization, 3,6,10,11 open reduction and internal fixation, 1,2,6,10 and arthrodesis. 4,5,7,10 In the patient described in the present report, closed reduction of the luxated shoulder joint was unsuccessful, whereas open reduction and application of 2 lateral tension sutures over the shoulder joint provided adequate stability. Closed reduction of acute simple shoulder luxations is associated with a good prognosis in alpacas 10 ; however, it was unsuccessful in more chronic cases and other species.…”

“…Closed reduction of acute simple shoulder luxations is associated with a good prognosis in alpacas 10 ; however, it was unsuccessful in more chronic cases and other species. 4,6,12 Recurrence of luxation after successful closed reduction does not seem common in horses, ponies, and female alpacas on the basis of a few studies, 3,10,13 but is apparently more common in small animals and other large animal species. 1,7 In our patient and the previously reported case of a pot-bellied pig with shoulder luxation, 6 closed reduction attempts were unsuccessful.…”

“…2 We did not observe any damage to the infraspinatus tendon or the joint capsule as commonly found in other large animal species. 1,10 Transection of the infraspinatus tendon was required for adequate access to the scapulohumeral joint, which was necessary in alpacas but not in a steer. 1 The CCL suture system is commonly used to provide joint stability in small animals with CCL damage.…”